In an adventurous pursuit beyond the confines of his day job, Anil Kumar Kannangal, a former Indian Air Force officer now employed as a clerk at the Brahmos branch of Canara Bank in Thiruvananthapuram, is steadily working towards a remarkable personal goal: climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Known for his passion for mountaineering, Anil has successfully summited three peaks so far—Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, and Mount Aconcagua in South America.
Anil’s journey into mountaineering has been as unpredictable as it has been exhilarating. Last year, he found himself in an unexpected situation when he landed at Mineralnye Vody Airport in Russia, en route to Mount Elbrus. Mistakenly accused of being a spy due to heightened security following a recent Moscow concert hall attack, Anil was detained by Russian security. His release only came after a thorough investigation, aided by a Russian acquaintance of his Nepali guide. “The scrutiny of foreign nationals was intense,” Anil recalls, emphasizing the prevailing atmosphere of suspicion at the time.
Despite such challenges, Anil’s enthusiasm for the mountains has only grown. Since retiring from the IAF in 2014, he has devoted significant time to trekking, initially conquering peaks across Kerala including Agasthyarkoodam, Varayadumotta, Kurishumala, and Kalimala. His first major expedition outside India was to the Everest Base Camp in 2023—a journey that tested his endurance but also deepened his love for mountaineering. Inspired by his experiences and interactions with fellow climbers, Anil set his sights on scaling all of the world’s highest summits.
Anil’s next target includes Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, followed by Mount Denali in North America, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and ultimately Mount Everest. However, he acknowledges the financial hurdles involved, with an estimated cost between ₹15 and ₹50 lakhs for these expeditions. While previous trips were funded with the help of family and friends, the expense of forthcoming climbs remains a concern.
Every ascent has presented its own set of challenges and unexpected moments. Anil recounts the diverse climates faced while climbing Kilimanjaro, from tropical forests to glaciers, and the lengthy desert trek required to approach Mount Aconcagua. On Elbrus, the journey through snow added another layer of difficulty. Such experiences, while daunting, have only fueled his determination.
One significant obstacle for Indian climbers, Anil notes, is the limited number of registered trekking companies that directly manage trekking itineraries domestically, often relying on foreign agents. In contrast, European companies offer comprehensive packages, simplifying logistics for mountaineers there.
Balancing his mountaineering dream with professional commitments hasn’t been easy. “Taking leave increases my colleagues’ workload, but their support has been invaluable,” Anil admits. This understanding has been crucial to his progress towards the Seven Summits challenge—a pursuit that showcases not only his adventurous spirit but also emphasizes the universal allure of the world’s greatest peaks.
Published on April 2, 2025, this story of perseverance and passion underscores Anil Kumar Kannangal’s remarkable journey from a secure banking job to pursuing the highest altitudes of global exploration. As a prominent figure in the travel and adventure sector, he continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring mountaineers worldwide.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/meet-anil-kumar-kannangal-who-is-a-banker-cum-mountaineer-from-thiruvananthapuram/article69389419.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-04-02 14:42:00
