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Two days before Maria Strydom and her husband attempted their ascent of Everest, another vegan climber made it.
Kuntal Joisher, a Mumbai-born computer programmer, climber and adventure photographer now living in Los Angeles, wrote on his Instagram account that he had reached the summit.
It was not his first attempt to reach the top of the world. In 2014, a large avalanche killed 16 sherpas near Base Camp in what was then the largest accident on Everest. The climbing season was cancelled and Mr Joisher’s attempt that year ended.
Then, in April last year, a large earthquake struck Nepal and swept away much of Everest’s base camp while Mr Joisher was there.
In 2014, after climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia in strong winds and whiteout conditions, Mr Joisher wrote an article for the Huffington Post websitedescribing how he adapted to the challenge as a vegan.
“I was able to adjust to all of these severe conditions while eating healthy vegan food such as raw vegetables and fruits, buckwheat, rice porridges, wheat breads, and dried fruits and nuts,” he wrote.
“There are plenty of vegetarian foods that are part of a core diet during high-altitude climbing expeditions. As such, veganising the menu isn’t that difficult.”
The main issue, he said, was finding clothing and equipment that was suitable for vegans – he said he was unable to find an alternative to the down jacket needed at the highest altitudes.