Krushnaa Patil is an avid explorer and climber, beginning in 2007 by attending mountaineering courses with the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, Uttrakhand, India. In 2008, Krushnaa climbed Mt. Satopanth (7075 meters/23,212 ft above sea level), in the Garhwal Himalayas—becoming the youngest in the world to have scaled it at just 18 years old. In May 2009, Krushnaa climbed Mt. Everest, again setting a record of becoming the youngest Indian woman to summit the mountain. She followed up with the 7 Summit Quest, climbing the highest mountains on all seven continents, becoming the first Indian woman to summit the highest mountains in Antarctica, South America and Europe. In February 2011, Krushnaa participated in a cycling rally with WANI (Women Adventure Network of India) that stretched from Kolkatta to Kanyakumari—logging 3000 kms. Krushnaa also has a keen interest in rafting, paragliding, rowing, horse riding, and holds a MA from Pune University in Political Science. Since 2015, Krushnaa has been one of eight global representatives with Access Water Expeditions. Access Water, led by renowned explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen through Bancroft Arnesen Explore, amplifies the urgency for clean water and shared solutions for a sustainable future.   Ann Bancroft and Liv 

In February 2025, Krushnaa carried WINGS FLAG #40 with fellow WINGS Flag Carrier Ulfat Haider on the Access Water Aotearoa Expedition. The expedition’s name, Ki Uta Ki Tai, which is Maori for “from the mountains to the sea,” captures the indigenous concept that the environment is inherently connected to us. The expedition team was made up of eight women from around the world, including WINGS Fellows Ann Bancroft and Liv Arneson, all of whom set out to paddle down the Whanganui River in an effort to create awareness around indigenous identities and manage the natural wealth of river ecosystems. By sharing stories, they discovered the powerful connection the Maori people have to the environment and their stewardship to the land and water. The expedition was a mixture of adventure, interaction with Maori communities and women, and knowledge sharing for a sustainable future.