At 49, Neeta Varade is redefining expectations with her adventurous spirit. She has a strong academic background with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli. Currently, she serves as a Delivery Leader for the Morgan Stanley account at Mphasis Ltd., Pune. Though she began trekking just five years ago, her journey has become a testament to rediscovery and resilience. Growing up in an Army household she visited places like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, which planted the seeds of her love for nature, though it lay dormant for years.
After her mother’s death and a period of self-reflection, Neeta decided it was time to prioritize her health and happiness. Balancing her professional life with her mountaineering pursuits, trekking offers a refreshing counterbalance to her IT career’s pressures. “Trekking never exhausted my mind. Work did,” she explains. This passion has evolved into a lifestyle, with Neeta constantly ready to explore the outdoors. Her journey began with local hikes in the Sahyadri ranges, such as Sinhgad and Rajgad forts.
Despite initial doubts, the peace she found during treks kept her motivated. “Not only does it bring my health on the line but also the joy that was inside me. I still feel like a kid, it’s like I realized that showing maturity at every moment is not necessary,” she muses. Her disciplined routine now includes a compulsory morning walk that has become essential to her well-being.
As her confidence grew, so did her ambitions. In 2022, Neeta completed her first major trek to Everest Base Camp, “Of course, Everest was too lengthy for me. And in between, I had thought multiple times like why am I doing this and that I’m tired, I should stop here. But I took small steps with a lot of encouragement from my team and each step became more enjoyable, as I started to appreciate the surroundings—the views, the calmness, and the peace within me”
“The most important thing was my mind…it just zeroed out, it means you feel like you are a part of Earth. You feel your existence is beyond your responsibilities or whatever you are doing, and you are fortunate enough to see God’s creativity. That’s the greatest feeling I have had. And then I thought why not explore more? And that’s why I chose Gokyo Road while going to the EBC ( Everest Base Camp), which is stunning.” she added.
Last year, she also trekked to Gaumukh and Tapovan in the lower Himalayas. “At Gomukh, I witnessed the sacred Ganga as a glacier. It was freezing, around -15°C, but the beauty was unforgettable. I even met a Nirmal Baba, living in solitude, meditating amidst the serene, snow-covered mountains.”
Her recent trek to Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains, the highest peak in Europe, required meticulous planning. Neeta recalls the acclimatization process, which involved regular treks to build endurance. “We stayed in barrels and practiced daily walks. After days of unfavorable weather, we finally began our expedition at midnight under clear skies. We started at 1:30 a.m. with snowshoes, crampons, down jackets, harnesses, and helmets,” Neeta vividly describes the climb. “Despite the rigorous conditions, the experience was exhilarating and humbling.” Neeta humorously recalls not being able to take many pictures due to the intense cold, but the memories are forever etched in her mind. During her expedition to Mount Elbrus, her team included leader Chetan Ketkar, Jatin Kale, Mayur Pandit, Abhay Chaudhary, Abhijit Parrkhi, Mayuri Pandit, Vijay Pisal, and Laxmikant, all contributing to the climb’s success.
Her family’s encouragement played a crucial role in fueling her enthusiasm. In a heartfelt conversation, Anant Varade, Neeta’s husband said initially he saw her mountaineering as a hobby, but as her ambition grew, so did his support. Anant expressed concerns about the risks involved, saying, “I was a bit worried in terms of how it will happen.. I just said, do it gradually,” understanding the physical and mental demands of mountaineering. When asked about his unwavering support he said, “You have to share equal responsibility, you can’t be like, Oh, I did the chores for two days, now it’s your turn. You have to adapt to the situation and be flexible. And, it’s important to encourage each other’s passions, not discourage them. Sometimes, you need to prioritize these rare opportunities. You can’t say, “Can you do it next time?” You have to realize that these moments won’t come again. It’s a unique group coming together, and helping each other. So, you have to give them the priority they need.” He emphasized, “Let your partner live their own life and respect their passion.” Anant now proudly encourages her to complete all seven peaks, believing in her determination and strength.
Neeta’s advice to those considering trekking is practical: “Start with smaller, local treks to build confidence. It’s a mind game.” With Kilimanjaro as her next goal, Neeta aims to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. She hopes to inspire her children and others to prioritize health through her example. Neeta’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions and leading by example.