wildernessLectures
Karolina Pakenaite
Karolina (Caroline) Pakenaite is a deafblind adventurer, researcher, and speaker on a mission to become the first deafblind person to summit Mount Everest in 2026. Born with Usher syndrome, she gradually lost her hearing and vision but gained a powerful sense of direction — not just on trails, but in challenging societal perceptions of disability.
Currently based in Bath, UK, she is completing a PhD at the University of Bath, developing a tactile system that translates photographs into touchable images for blind and deafblind individuals. Her work bridges research, adventure, and activism, showing that limits can be reshaped by creativity and courage.
She recently summited Mera Peak (6,476m) and continues to train with elite coaches and Sherpas as part of her Everest preparation. Himlung Himal is her next major expedition and a chance to deepen both technical alpine skills and connection to Nepal — the country where her dream will rise.