An alpinist fights through bitter weather on the slopes of Mt. Everest in this undated file photo. It has been some 38 years since the first Korean conquered some of the tallest mountains in the Himalayas. The first was Manaslu at 8,156 meters, considered the most adventurous peak for climbing. |
By Anil Giri
Contributing Writer
KATHMANDU ― The sizzling beauty of the Himalayas and the tranquility of the adventures have always lured and fascinated climbers around the globe. Not only Mt. Everest, but the other eight peaks that are more than 8,000 meters in height are still the center of adventure for those who have great courage and dare to die should any accidents occur.
Climbing the Himalayas is not an easy task but a unique experience that can only be felt by climbing the mountains.
However, history has not done enough justice to South Korean climbers, who challenged cruel weather, dared to make their way to the top of the mountain by passing hard rocks, ice and sometimes defying the cycle of nature. Many Koreans climbers have lost their lives climbing the mountains. ``South Koreans are very fond of trekking, expedition and climbing mountains. They enjoy adventures and the thrill of the Himalayas. They seem thoroughly professional,'' said Narayan Poudel, who runs Mec Treck Expedition at the busy Thamel.
It has been some 38 years since the first Korean conquered some of the tallest mountains in the Himalayas. The first was Manaslu at 8,156 meters, considered the most adventurous peak for climbing.
A team of Koreans led by the Kim Chong -sop attempted Mt. Manaslu but unfortunately lost one of their members on their way to the base camp. A series of Korean climbers followed, attempting all of the peaks in the Himalayan range, which includes Mt. Everest, the highest in the world.
``It doesn't require 10 years of climbing to attempt Everest. Two to three years could be adequate if you climb very often, including some high Alpine climbs. But you should still take your time to learn the skills and enjoy the practice on various mountains around the world,'' the Web site www.mounteverest.net says.
In 1971, another Korean expedition team attempted to conquer Lhotse (8,252 meters.), but could not succeed due to dense snowfall. The following year, veteran Kim Chong- sop and his team made a second attempt to conquer Manaslu. Unfortunately, this time huge casualties occurred as 14 members lost their lives.
In 1977, Ko Sang -don scaled Mt. Everest, becoming the first Korean to reach the summit. He also climbed Mt. Annapurna, regarded as one of the world's most dangerous mountains. He made a record by climbing the third largest in the range, Mt Makalu. Incredibly, he climbed them all without oxygen.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 45 Koreans have conquered Mt. Everest since 1977. "The data itself reveals how much they are fond of climbing the Himalayas," the authority said.
In terms of business, the range offers many opportunities to generate income. Many training centers are being established, providing the skills and training required to scale the mountains.
``When I started a job as porter, finding a cylinder of oxygen in Kathmandu was rare. All the equipment was imported from outside. All those who wanted to climb the mountains had to bring all the equipment and other necessary stuff like food and medicine from outside. Now it is available everywhere,'' said one worker who worked in the region for a decade and is now resting due to adverse health conditions.
Apa Sherpa, popularly known as "snow leopard" or "super Sherpa" and who has accompanied many Koreans climbing Mt. Everest, said, ``I don't like to climb for record but it comes together with my job. If a group is not in good condition, even 100 meters from the top, I go down with them… I do not like to leave climbers alone. I climb for clients.''
People like Apa, who has climbed Mt. Everest 19 times, said those climbing for a myriad of reasons ― some superficial ― should be beware the dangers.
``A climber must be experienced in climbing at high altitudes, know about how to climb in the ice, the technical idea of rock climbing, and, very importantly, he or she should be prepared mentally about the strenuous conditions of the Himalayas. In addition, perfect physical condition required,'' said the Sherpa. Knowledge of geography, route, geology, ecology, glaciers, climate, availability of a primary rescue team, the locality and ethnicity are also imperative.
Why do people encounter such fatal accidents? There are several reasons but one should know about personal safety, physical fitness and mental conditions along with the necessary equipment.
``South Koreans are very professional in this regard. Now they have come to know all the essentials of climbing,'' said Poudel.
But the Nepal government has issued words of caution about the mountains.
``These days a lot of issues on climate change and ice melting are surfacing here. So climbers should be sensitive toward such issues,'' said a senior official at the Ministry of Tourism.
Hindus regard the Himalayas as the abode of the gods.
In Tibet, the Himalayas are worshipped as the mother of Earth and looked upon as the greatest source of inspiration and perseverance.
girianil@gmail.com
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