Sandhosh Kumar to climb Mount Everest

This March, when most of us will be hooked on to televisions watching IPL, complaining that it is too hot outside, one brave soul will be taking up the ultimate challenge in mountaineering- to Climb world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. In about 20 days from now, Investment Banker and Mountaineering enthusiast Sandhosh Kumar will be beginning his 65 days expedition to climb Mount Everest. 

I happened to meet him during Cerebrate where he shared some interesting insights about Everest climbing:

• The surface area on top of Mount Everest is just about that of a Table Tennis Table. The topmost point is often covered with ice which might collapse and fall off cliff any time, so any solid ground on top of the peak is considered for all practical purposes
• Compared to other mountains, its the lack of oxygen which makes climb difficult in Mount Everest
• Lack of oxygen heavily affects thinking abilities and people often end up doing stupid mistakes because of which they may have to abandon the climb or at times even risk their lives
• Climb to peak is often initiated in late evening and goes on all through the night (Reason: ice will be more solid in night with reduced risk of melting, with no sun, some energy can be conserved). Successful climbers reach the peak on wee hours of next morning and they’ll have to start declining latest by about 8 am
• The climb has to be completed within stipulated time, so that one can return safely to base camp.(reason mentioned above) At times a climber will have to abandon his climb and return-that is one of the toughest decisions to take at that altitude-seeing Mount Everest just a few hundred meters away but being asked to return-all the money, time and effort spent is wasted, but there’s assurance that one will be alive. Some people succumb to temptation and proceed with the climb, often pay with their lives.
• From the base camp experts can monitor progress of a climber (through telescopes) and by observing his rate of climb, weather condition and other stats they can assess if he can make it safely to the top and come back or he should abort and return.
• Conserving energy is important, so even when a steep climb can save time and distance, mountaineers prefer a slightly longer (circular) path which can be used without spending extra energy
• There’s no helicopter rescue possible. Often local Sherpas extend great support, but at high altitudes it is difficult task even for them. 
• Chicken is prized food at base camp, served only after a climber returns from his climb
• There’re two Everest base camps, one in Chinese land , one in Nepal
• Trekkers who trek till Base camp may not be allowed to pitch tent near the area where Everest climbers are put up. This is for hygienic reasons, as trekkers carry a lot of germs with them.

Through his climb, Sandhosh Kumar is also raising awareness about child sexual abuse. Sandhosh Kumar needs your help in raising funds for his expedition and also the cause he is supporting. One of the unique ways Sandhosh is trying to raise funds is to carry a banner to the top of Everest made of photographs and images of donors. For only US$50, you can have your picture or picture of your loved ones photographed at the summit of Mount Everest. Of course, you are welcome to buy more than one block to have a bigger picture or one block for each member of your family. Needless to say, contributions will go both towards the climb and the cause.

I also created a wikipedia page for Sandosh Kumar. First image is taken on top of Mont Blanc. Second one is clicked by me. Check this post for a podcast interview with Sandhosh. Join me in wishing Sandhosh all the best in his climb.