The septuagenarian joined a trekking group brought together by India Hikes, which guides over 20,000 trekkers annually. Though they had set the upper age limit as 62, Dr Reddy met all their fitness requirements, including heart parameters, and decided to take the plunge.

He was accompanied by his daughter, Sindhu, who is an avid trekker.

“I trained well for a month in the gym, and climbed 20 floors three times a day at a stretch to be ready for the trek,” says Dr Reddy. The most difficult part was the severe winter cold, with temperatures touching -7C at night. “That’s why most people decide to do Himalayan treks during summer,” he says, adding, “Besides, we have to deal with less oxygen in the air and low atmospheric pressures as we scale heights, resulting in mountain sickness.” He says Sindhu helped him during ascents and descents.

Now, he is planning for a trek that’s 18,000 feet above MSL.