On World Environment Day, an Indian soldier achieves a remarkable feat by becoming one of the fastest outsiders to trek to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp.
Muhsin V.A., hailing from Aluva, completed the challenging climb to the EBC (17,598 feet) in an incredible 22 hours, without relying on supplementary oxygen.
Typically, trekkers spend days or weeks on this journey, allowing for acclimatization to the high altitude.
Hailing from Ladakh and serving in the Indian Army, Mr. Muhsin embarked on a significant mission as he trekked to Everest Base Camp.
“Left to deal with nasal bleeding and exhaustion. I had even thought of giving it up. But my familiarity with life at high altitude, thanks to my posting in Ladakh, and the rigorous Army training helped me prevail,” said Mr. Muhsin.
His expedition carried a powerful message of #SaveLakshadweep, highlighting the peril faced by the islands due to rising sea levels caused by global warming.
The airport and residential areas in Lakshadweep Islands are at risk, with sea levels rising between 0.4 mm/year and 0.9 mm/year. Muhsin’s aim is to raise awareness about climate change and its impact.
Starting his trek from Lukla, a town situated at 9,383 feet in Khumbu, Muhsin embarked on a journey that most trekkers undertake to reach Everest Base Camp.
Lukla is home to the Tenzing Hillary Airport, renowned as one of the world’s most dangerous airports.
In a standard itinerary, it typically takes 8 days for a trekker to reach Everest Base Camp from Lukla:
- Day 1: Trek from Lukla (9,383 ft.) to Phakding (8,562 ft.) – Approximately 3-4 hours
- Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (11,286 ft.) – Approximately 5-6 hours
- Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (12,687 ft.) – Approximately 5-6 hours
- Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (14,468 ft.) – Approximately 5-6 hours
- Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
- Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (16,109 ft.) – Approximately 5-6 hours
- Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (16,961 ft.) and then to Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft.) – Approximately 7-8 hours (round trip to EBC)
On World Environment Day, Muhsin’s remarkable achievement was recognized and awarded by prestigious organizations such as the International Book of Records, the India Book of Records, and the Asia Book of Records, with his application also being examined by the Guinness Book of World Records, as reported by The Hindu.
During his journey, Muhsin contemplated enlisting the assistance of a Sherpa but prioritized his goal of raising awareness about climate change and its impact on islands over pursuing records.
In addition to reaching Everest Base Camp, he also successfully scaled Kala Patthar (18,520 feet), a vantage point renowned for providing breathtaking views of the highest mountain in the world.
In addition to serving as a soldier, Muhsin is a passionate mountaineer and has undergone training in mountaineering from renowned institutions.
He has completed courses at the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports in Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh), the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling.
Muhsin aspired to conquer Mount Everest without the assistance of supplemental oxygen but faced challenges in securing sponsorship. Nevertheless, he remains determined and holds onto the hope of achieving his goal in the future.
