Photo: X/@pnbindia
For Pradeep Mundeja, reaching Everest Base Camp was the culmination of a demanding Himalayan expedition that required careful planning, physical endurance and the ability to navigate challenging mountain terrain.
The 100% hearing-impaired bank manager from Karnal, Haryana, trekked approximately 130 km on foot to reach the destination at an altitude of 5,364 metres in Nepal.Mundeja, who serves as Chief Manager at Punjab National Bank’s Circle Office in Karnal, completed the expedition between October 5 and 17, 2026. At the base camp, he hoisted the bank’s flag, marking an achievement that his employer subsequently celebrated on social media.According to The Haryana government press release, Mundeja planned the entire expedition independently from India before joining a trekking group from Pune for the journey. His accomplishment brought together his interest in adventure, years of involvement in fitness activities and the determination to take on a physically demanding challenge.
A 130-km journey through the Himalayas
The trek to Everest Base Camp is known for its demanding trails and the physical adjustments required as trekkers ascend to higher altitudes.
For Mundeja, the route involved navigating difficult mountain paths while dealing with low oxygen levels, extreme cold and the challenges of increasing altitude.The expedition covered approximately 130 km on foot over nearly two weeks. Reaching Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,364 metres above sea level, marked the completion of the journey.His hearing impairment adds an important dimension to the achievement, particularly in the context of navigating an unfamiliar mountain environment.
However, the available reports do not detail the specific communication arrangements or adaptations he used during the trek.Mundeja completed the expedition with a trekking group from Pune, having planned the journey from India himself. At the destination, he proudly hoisted the Punjab National Bank flag, an accomplishment the bank highlighted in its public message.
PNB celebrates his achievement
Punjab National Bank shared the news on X, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the organisation.“A proud moment for the PNB Parivar as Sh. Pardeep Mundeja, Chief Manager, Circle Office Karnal, successfully completes the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek and proudly hoists the PNB flag at Everest Base Camp (5,364 metres),” the bank wrote.The post added that his achievement reflected “the spirit of resilience and the courage to turn ambitious dreams into reality.”The recognition also brought attention to Mundeja's life beyond his banking responsibilities.
His accomplishment demonstrates his continued engagement with physical challenges outside the workplace, including activities that require stamina, preparation and sustained effort.
An interest in fitness and adventure
Mundeja has been involved in adventure and fitness activities for several years. According to The Tribune, he is a Super Randonneur cyclist and has participated in running events organised by Procam, the company associated with several prominent running events in India.He has also received the National Award for Outstanding Persons with Disabilities, as reported by the newspaper.His experience in cycling and running provides context for his interest in endurance-based activities. The Everest Base Camp expedition, however, presented a different set of demands, including prolonged walking through mountainous terrain and adapting to the effects of altitude.Mundeja credited his achievement to the continued support and encouragement of his family, colleagues, trekking team and Punjab National Bank, The Tribune reported.His journey is a reminder that major personal goals often involve more than the final milestone. Planning, preparation, physical effort and support from others can all play a role in completing a challenging undertaking.For Mundeja, the culmination of the expedition was reaching Everest Base Camp and raising the flag of the institution where he works. His achievement has since become a moment of pride for his colleagues and the bank.