In a record-breaking moment, three Indian women—Aanchal Thakur, Shibani Gharat, and Charmi Dedhia—were part of a 80-women group that created a new world record for forming the world’s longest women’s rope team at the 4,164-metres high Breithorn in Switzerland. By Ralan Kithan
In a one-of-a-kind event hosted by Switzerland Tourism, 80 women of diverse professions came together to write a new chapter in history on June 17, 2022: climbing the 4,164-metre high Breithorn mountain. This initiative was organised in partnership with Swiss Mountain Guides Association; Saas-Fee/Saas Valley Tourism; outdoor equipment provider, Mammut; and the Grand-Hotel & Spa Walliserhof.
In doing so, the group of women—including Aanchal Thakur, a renowned alpine skier; Shibani Gharat, a fitness enthusiast; and seasoned marathon runner, Charmi Dedhia—also successfully formed the longest women’s rope team.
The women who formed the world’s longest women’s rope team in Switzerland
The all-women rope team also included women journalists and women of influence from across the globe. This includes trailblazers like Cindy Sirinya Bishop, the Thai UN Women Ambassador for Asia; Eva Röse, a Pacific, Swedish-Norwegian actress and UNICEF Ambassador; Vaimalama Chaves, a musician and Miss France 2019; Swiss historian Marie-France Hendrikx; Iranian mountaineer Mina Ghorbani; and South Korean actress Lee Si-young.
This record-breaking activity was a part of the Switzerland Tourism’s 100% women initiative launched in 2021. With this, Switzerland Tourism aims to make women more visible in outdoor sports.
The Experience
Speaking about the climb, Thakur says, “I’m no stranger to the Swiss Alps as a skier, but climbing the summit with this inspiringly diverse group of women was one of the most unique experiences of my life. I am proud of the fact that I was a small part of this amazing whole that created history with this world record.”
“It was heartening to see Switzerland encourage women from all walks of life to join this challenge with their contest. I would not have missed this challenge for the world!” says Gharat.
Dedhia adds, “I hope this initiative reaches many women across the globe, especially in India so that it inspires them to start exploring the great outdoors, including the mountains. Mountains only inspire, they don’t discriminate!”
Related: Why Switzerland Is The Perfect Choice For Women Travellers From Around The World
