As soon as I typed a few words about my second Everest summit, a notification popped up about 11th death on Everest! It’s turning out to be one of the deadliest seasons in recent history, and I’m sad, angry and frustrated all at the same moment. I don’t know what to say. Anyway, let me share a story from my climb.
Kuntal Joisher on summit of Everest May 23, 2019 – Tibet
Mingma Tenzi Sherpa and I stood on the summit of Mt. Everest on May 23rd, 2019 0530 hours (Nepal time) from the China side – my second summit of Everest. And thats when the actual expedition began – descending to safety. Few hours later we were in the tent at 8300 meters with terrifying winds blowing outside. My body didn’t have an ounce of energy. Something happened and I couldn’t hold back my tears that were flowing copiously. I told Mingma – my guide & mentor – “I couldn’t have done this without you!”. And Mingma as always – super humble – “I didn’t do anything”.
And then we discussed about my dream – First ever 100% Vegan ascent of Mt. Everest without any frostbite, evacuation and of course most important – “Staying alive”. We had been reading about the crazy number of frostbite and deaths on Everest this season. I thought – imagine if I got frostbite. People would say – “Your synthetic socks were not good enough”, “lack of iron in your diet made you hypothermic!”. Imagine if I died. People would say – “Vegan dies climbing Everest while trying to prove Vegans can do anything”. Not that I care about people, but I personally wanted to make a statement that the tallest and toughest mountain in the world can be climbed without eating or wearing animals, and that it can be very much be done in a safe fashion.
So together Mingma and I, over the next couple of days weathered the notorious North side weather – super windy and super cold, and finally got back to the base camp. Proud to have completed the first ever 100% Vegan ascent of Mt. Everest from any side without any frostbite or evacuation – just the way it should be!
PS: This expedition was by far the coldest, windiest, toughest and technically most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. And I am glad that my Vegan food and gear supported and shined through!