Today, an expedition consisting of 11 Indians and a few of Nepalese, American and Austrian origin, including 2 Indian women, scaled Mt. Everest.

Among other records, Apa Sherpa, of Nepalese origin, scaled it for the record 19th consecutive time while Krushnaa Patil was the first Maharashtrian woman to scale it. The expedition also took away a seasoned climber, Lhakpa Nuru, in an avalanche.

While many news articles read, “11 Indians conquer Mt. Everest in a day”, I am not sure any high altitude trekker would agree to the word ‘conquer’, which is so often used by us unknowingly in such contexts.

I do not think mountaineering teaches you to conquer peaks, it teaches you that peaks cannot be conquered. According to me, trekking/hiking teaches you humility more than anything else. When you are one stroke of lightning, one loose stretch of snow, one hollow ice patch and one loose rock away from history, you are pretty much not the one controlling things.

Just my 2 cents, which are equal to around 50 owing to the economy.

Also check out this blog, which the expedition members are updating with posts, audio clips and snaps. It makes for a compelling read.

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