Indian travel influencer Ankita Kumar has done what few would even dare to imagine - she traveled to Yakutsk and Oymyakon in Siberia, two of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, during the peak of winter where temperatures plummet to -70 degrees Celsius. What made her journey even more powerful? She did it while on her period.

In an exclusive with NDTV, Ankita detailed the physical and mental challenges she faced while navigating such hostile terrain. From her mascara freezing mid-application to her thermals falling short in keeping her warm, her body and mind were pushed to the limit. “I had to wear four layers and still felt like I was naked,” she shared.

Periods in such freezing conditions come with added difficulty—especially when toilets are outdoors and water turns to ice in seconds. Ankita spoke candidly about managing cramps and hygiene with barely any warmth, aiming to normalize conversations around menstruation and endurance.

Her story isn’t just about travel - it’s a statement on resilience, womanhood, and smashing the stigma of periods in adventure spaces.