Born: 1991 (Anwali, Sonipat district, Haryana, India)
Biography:
Tashi and Nungshi Malik, born on June 21, 1991, are renowned mountaineers and adventurers who have made history by achieving numerous remarkable feats. They are the first siblings and twins to reach the summit of the Seven Summits, conquer the North and South Poles, and complete the Adventurers Grand Slam and Three Poles Challenge. Their exceptional achievements have not only left a lasting impact on the world of mountaineering but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue their own dreams and push their limits.
Originally from Haryana state, India, Tashi and Nungshi Malik were born to Col. Virendra Singh Malik, an Indian Army officer, and his wife Anjoo Thapa, in Anwali, Sonipat district. After Col. Malik’s retirement, the family settled in Dehradun, where the twins grew up. They had the opportunity to attend several schools in different states of India, including Lawrence School, Lovedale, near Ootacamund. In 2013, they graduated in Journalism and Mass Communication from Sikkim Manipal University and later obtained a Certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution from the School of International Training in Vermont, United States, in their pursuit of a well-rounded education.
Their passion for mountaineering ignited during their training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in 2010. This experience paved the way for their extraordinary mountaineering career. On May 19, 2013, Tashi and Nungshi successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, making history as the first twin sisters to accomplish such a feat. Not only did they achieve this milestone, but they also symbolized peace by placing the flags of India and Pakistan together at the summit alongside fellow mountaineer Samina Baig.
Their determination and relentless pursuit of their dreams led them to achieve numerous other milestones. They became the first female twins to complete the Seven Summits, a challenge that involves reaching the highest peak on each continent. Additionally, they completed the Explorers Grand Slam, which entails reaching the North and South Poles in addition to the Seven Summits. Moreover, the Malik twins hold the distinction of being the youngest individuals to complete the Three Poles Challenge, a feat that encompasses reaching the North Pole, South Pole, and Mount Everest.
Their mountaineering endeavors continued to break barriers and set records. On December 16, 2014, Tashi and Nungshi became the world’s first twins and siblings to scale all Seven Summits together after conquering Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Just over two years after their successful ascent of Mount Everest, they completed the Explorers Grand Slam on July 15, 2015, making history as the first Indian and South Asian women to achieve this remarkable feat.
The Malik twins’ impact extends beyond their mountaineering achievements. They are an inspiration to countless individuals, especially young girls, all over the world, proving that gender should never be a barrier to achieving one’s dreams. Their journey has inspired many to conquer their fears, pursue their passions, and push the boundaries of what is considered possible.
In addition to their mountaineering feats, Tashi and Nungshi are also passionate about advocating for environmental conservation and women’s empowerment. They use their platform to raise awareness about these important issues, promoting a sustainable and inclusive world for future generations.