My journey to Everest did not begin with a fascination for summits. It was not even my second choice for a climb after the successful and spiritually fulfilling Manaslu summit.But, the emotional upheaval of the COVID years and a personal loss had me Google possible choices for a scenic yet culturally significant trek far from the noise. For me, that refuge became the mountains. In quick succession, I lined up summits including Sandakphu Phalut, Khopra ridge, and Kilimanjaro. Encouraged, I proceeded to complete Everest base camp and Lobuche East, qualifying me for technical climbs including 8,000 metre peaks like Manaslu and Everest.The mountains challenged me in ways life never had. They demanded endurance, patience and surrender. And in return, they gave clarity, mental resilience and devoured my ego and pride. With every ascent, I began learning to master emotion and mute fear. I felt this transformation began to reflect in my life. In my medical profession, in administrative responsibilities and in critical decision making, I found myself calm, with greater emotional control.Locking in
Dr Priya at the summit
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Special Arrangement
Before Everest came Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain. To me, climbing Manaslu was deeply spiritual. It was my first 8,000-metre peak, and it gave me the confidence to believe that with the right mindset, piety, belief, and a reputed company and guide, even the impossible could be achieved.I trained for the herculean Mount Everest from November 2025 until a day before I left for Nepal. The gap between two climbs was six and a half months but my training time for Everest was a short four months.To most people, Everest is the ultimate conquest — the highest point on Earth. For people around me, the expectation became natural progression. But for me, it was never just about standing on the summit. It was about understanding what it would demand of me.I trained for Everest at sea level in Chennai. As I had to balance my demanding work and deadlines, a well-researched schedule between my home gym, the hospital ramp and a weekly run to marina beach, was crafted by Dr Sunapradeep, a national-level athlete and dentist. It involved cardiovascular conditioning and strength training, with occasional runs and Muay Thai.Prior certification for technical climbing skills of being able to do a 6,000-7,000 metre climb, and mental preparation for an endeavour like this, are essential. You must be comfortable with ropes, harnesses, ascenders, belay devices, boots, and crampons while moving efficiently under extreme fatigue. It is also very important to listen to your guide during the climb. This reduces risks as both lives are important on the mountains.Peaking order
