Climb 29,028 Feet: an Expedition to the Summit of Mount Everest

mountaineering because I believe that both of them are ideal and ultimate tests of human endurance and performance. My friends and I attempted and succeeded several mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayan ranges in the early 90s. In 1995, I was lucky to meet Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest. Her life story and love of adventure made an indelible mark on my own outlook towards life. Since then I made it one of long term goals to scale Everest. In the ensuing years I spoke with my climbing friends and put the plans off until we’re financially capable of embarking on such a mission. In year 2007, I was fortunate enough to meet Erik Weihenmeyer. He is the only blind person to ever stand on Everest's peak. After hearing him speak about his Everest experience, I instantly decided that I’m going to try to climb the peak in May 2009. Mountaineering teaches us how to deal with critical situations, hone self discipline and leadership qualities, and develop humility, courage, self-respect, and self-confidence. It is not just about going into the mountains, it is about studying and observing them and it is also a journey into your true self. The hostile environment, extreme climate and hardships induce you to have a dialogue with yourself, you can see your weaknesses and flaws; you also realize your strengths. The goal of this project is to reach the summit of Mount Everest and descend safely within a certain time frame and within budget. We’ve to plan and execute flawlessly. We will be forming our expedition team first. After that we’ve to raise funds for the expedition. We will be developing and practicing advance mountaineering techniques and skills such as advanced snow

Climb 29,028 feet 5

and ice climbing. We’ve to apply for the Everest climbing permits, arrange for travel, and contract with Sherpas to aid on our mountain voyage. And, most importantly we’ve to get insured before we leave for Katmandu, Nepal in February of next year with...