Ex-Army officer Polar Preet announces plans for solo trek to North Pole
British Army veteran and world record-holding explorer Harpeet Chandi – better known as Polar Preet – has announced her intention to become the first woman to travel on her own to the North Pole.
The former captain is already the fastest woman to have completed a solo unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole.
And in March she looks set to battle exhaustion and endure temperatures of -50°C to tackle the trek of just under 500 miles on shifting sea ice as she attempts to reach the North Pole.
She said: "No females have done [the challenge] for a reason. It's insanely hard – and not very many men have done it either.
"It's challenging. But for me, it's about trying something. Even if you have a small chance of making the end goal, it's worth having that journey.
"I still enjoy pushing my own boundaries. Every time I do trips like this [I think] it is all just so much bigger than me.
"How amazing is it to go and try something that hasn't been done?"
She acknowledged that the adventure would take an estimated 70 days to complete, adding: "There's probably a 10 per cent chance – or maybe 5% chance – I can make it."
Ms Chandi plans to begin her journey in March from Ellesmere Island in Canada.
She will take part in strength and fitness training ahead of the journey and is required to build up 15kg of muscle and fat before setting off.
She has already conquered various other challenges in her incredible career, including covering 1,130km of Antarctic ice in 31 days, 13 hours and 19 minutes during her solo unsupported expedition.
Polar Preet is also a two-time Guinness World Record-holder, for completing her expedition and being the first Asian female to complete a solo ski expedition to the South Pole in 2022.
Her adventures include a 16-year career in the Army between 2008 and 2024.
To support her challenge, click here.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
