On May 24, Rajesh “Lama Dai” Lama, aged 35, became the first recorded individual to walk from his village of Dudhgaon in Kathmandu to the summit of Mount Everest. His incredible journey spanned 57 days and covered a distance of 433 kilometers, showcasing his determination and resilience.
Lama commenced his journey on April 1, a date he humorously notes as “not the best day to start” since it coincided with April Fools’ Day, leading many to doubt his ambitious endeavor. Undeterred, he left the warm, humid climate of Kathmandu and began his trek towards the world’s tallest mountain. As he progressed, the skepticism of his loved ones transformed into support, recognizing his unwavering commitment to his goal.
The first eight days of Lama’s journey they were involved traversing a series of roads towards Mount Everest. He then followed the historic route of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, renowned for its stunning views of terraced landscapes, traditional villages, and alpine forests. On this path, from Namche, Lama first glimpsed the majestic Everest.
By day 24, Lama reached Everest Base Camp and joined his climbing party. However, early May brought high winds, damaging over 40 tents at the camp. To acclimate, Lama climbed Lobuche Peak (7,367 meters) before ascending to Camp 2 and returning to Base Camp. He also took a week off to serve as a first responder at the high-altitude race “135 Miles.”
Lama and his team departed Everest Base Camp on May 15. Although he felt strong initially, the cumulative effects of the 368 kilometers and 3,580 meters of elevation gain since April 1 hit him at Camp 3 (7,100 meters). Opting to rest, Lama let his team make their summit bid while he recuperated.
On May 20, Lama made his summit attempt with a different guide. Despite less-than-ideal weather, they agreed to proceed with the understanding that they would turn back if conditions worsened. Lama reached the summit of Everest at 7 a.m., achieving his historic feat.
Initially, Lama planned to walk back to his village from Everest, but frostnip on his toes necessitated a change in plans. “I think I [made a good decision] because my nails are turning blue right now,” he said, referring to what he called “The Everest Kiss.”
Reflecting on his journey, Lama noted, “This sounds romantic, but since this was the biggest walk of my life so far, I tried to enjoy every second no matter what I was doing. Seeing how my country has changed—its color, its people, the flat ground to the hills—it was a beautiful thing to see.”
Lama’s extraordinary trek not only marks a significant personal achievement but also highlights the enduring spirit of exploration and adventure that continues to inspire many.
