Kuntal Joisher is a Vegan mountaineer, nutrition and fitness coach, and inspirational speaker who has redefined the boundaries of human endurance and ethical living.
The Journey Begins
Born and raised in India, Kuntal’s life took an unexpected turn during a trip to the Himalaya in 2009. Standing amidst the snow-capped peaks, he experienced a profound moment of clarity and peace that would shape his future. This pivotal moment ignited a passion for mountaineering that would lead him to the roof of the world.
Vegan Mountaineer
Kuntal has achieved what many thought impossible – summiting Mount Everest twice (in 2016 and 2019) on a 100% Vegan diet. His second ascent in 2019 was particularly groundbreaking, as he used no animal products in his gear, proving that peak performance and ethical living can go hand in hand.
Beyond Everest, Kuntal has summited four 8000m peaks and numerous 6000m/7000m mountains, including Aconcagua and Denali. His achievements have shattered myths about Vegan diets and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams while respecting all forms of life.
Nutrition and Fitness Coach
Today, Kuntal empowers clients with knowledge, debunking nutrition myths and guiding them towards sustainable, plant-based lifestyles. His approach emphasizes balance, consistency, and evidence-based practices over fad diets and quick fixes.
Inspirational Speaker
Kuntal has delivered over 600+ talks worldwide, reaching more than 100,000 people in person. His presentations, including 7 TEDx talks, inspire audiences to find and conquer their personal “Everests” while promoting compassion for animals and environmental consciousness.
Vegan Advocate
A Vegan for over 22 years, Kuntal views veganism not just as a diet, but as an ethical philosophy respecting all sentient beings. Through his mountaineering feats and daily life, he demonstrates that a vegan lifestyle can support the highest levels of human performance and well-being.
Personal Life
Kuntal lives in Mumbai with his wife and young daughter, whom they are raising Vegan. When not scaling mountains or coaching clients, he enjoys progressive rock music, trekking in the Sahyadri mountains, and fondly remembers his days as a competitive eater (200 pani puris in one sitting!).
Looking Ahead
Kuntal’s next adventure is to complete the Seven Summits – the highest peaks on each continent – all while adhering to his vegan principles. He also dreams of leading a team of vegan climbers to the summit of Everest and competing in a natural bodybuilding competition at age 50, further showcasing the power and versatility of a vegan lifestyle.
Through his endeavors, Kuntal continues to inspire others to push their limits, respect all life, and find their own path to the summit – whatever that may be.