Kuntal Joisher is an extraordinary mountaineer from India, recognized for his exceptional achievements in the world of high-altitude climbing. He has made history not only through his successful ascents but also by demonstrating that a vegan lifestyle can fuel even the most demanding physical feats.
In May 2018, Joisher reached the summit of Mt. Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,516 meters. His journey was especially notable because he adhered strictly to a vegan diet and used only vegan gear, including a custom-made synthetic suit, mittens, and gloves, all devoid of any animal-derived materials. Joisher followed up this climb by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest for the 2nd time in May 2019 from the Tibet side – while strictly adhering to a vegan diet and using only vegan gear.
This wasn’t Joisher’s first groundbreaking feat. In 2016, he became the first vegan mountaineer to summit Mount Everest from the south side, reaching the highest point on Earth on May 19. Two years prior, in October 2014, Joisher had already made history by summiting Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, on a completely plant-based diet.
Joisher’s passion for mountaineering began at an early age, with his first trip to Nepal in 1984. He has since returned to the region numerous times for both climbing and photography, referring to Nepal as his “second home.” His love for the country and its people was evident when he organized a photo exhibition after surviving the devastating April 2015 Nepal earthquake, donating the proceeds to relief efforts.
Through his incredible expeditions, Joisher aims to shatter myths surrounding veganism and high-performance sports. He believes his achievements send a powerful message to the world: that vegans can not only survive but thrive in some of the most extreme environments on the planet. His most recent conquest was the summit of Denali, the highest peak in North America, which he achieved in June 2022.
Raised as a vegetarian, Joisher transitioned to a fully vegan lifestyle in 2002, driven by his deep compassion for animals and the environment. Today, he continues to inspire countless individuals with his courage, resilience, and commitment to both his sport and his ethics.
Mt Everest Protein Packed Smoothie – This smoothie is a well balanced meal with a great mix of simple and complex carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats, is packed in micro nutrition via fruits, nuts/seeds, and green veggies, and above all it’s tasty and satiating. I have had this smoothie (or some variation of this) every single day for the last 4+ years and it’s been instrumental in helping me kickoff my day well. And this smoothie is my goto pre workout!