Adventure Magazine

What are the main three things that separates a winter
climb from a summer one?
The three main elements are: the extreme cold temperatures,
weather conditions and the climber's ability to function in such
environment.
Your story has been embraced by the world as a slice of
hope in dark times, so how proud are you that a team of
Nepalese climbers could give hope and joy to so many
people in need? This event will always remain as one of
the most special moments of my life. What we have achieved
and earned wasn't for any individual gain. I am humbled
that we were able to share this moment and reach out to the
communities around the world, in the middle of a pandemic.
We were able to relay a strong positive message. Pushing the
human limits and making that impossible possible as a team
showed that what can be achieved with solidarity and unity.
Nothing is impossible if you put your heart, mind and soul into it.
Which parts of the challenge were you most afraid of
before you set off and which parts turned out to be the
hardest during it? I had frost nip on my fingers and hadn't
acclimatised adequately above Camp 2 (6,600m). The decision
to press on summit push was a tough one. There was no such
thing as the hardest challenge during the climb, as the entire
journey was a challenge of its kind.
What makes K2 such a special, mystical mountain
compared to Mount Everest in the winter? It was the hardest
and the last remaining challenge. Mount Everest was already
climbed in winter.
How are you feeling mentally and physically right now
after completing such an incredible feat? I feel great. All my
team members made it home safe and sound and that what is
matters the most.
Tell us about your Nepalese partners for the summit
ascent - how did you choose the team, and how important
were they in the successful attempt? K2 winter was no
joke! Selecting team members was not limited to their physical
ability but they needed to have a strong mindset too. Everyone
needed to have a sheer desire and determination to make this
impossible possible for humankind and for the Nepali climbing
community, who have always been the frontier of 8000m but
never received their due. I am super proud of all my team
members. The success was a joint team effort, a symbol of
hardship, selfless effort and unity.
What did you take away from completing Project Possible
that helped you in your K2 quest? Climbing 14 x 8000ers in
six months wasn't easy, of course. There was a lot of ups and
downs. I learnt a lot through the experiences and gathered
knowledge.
What skills from your time in the UK's Special Boat Service
helped you the most on this challenge? I think the main one
is the ability to make decisions in any stressful environment.
You have to keep yourself calm and composed, whatever the
situation is, and have that positive outlook.
You have been breaking records at an astonishing speed.
Are you going to have a rest or have you already got
another challenge up your sleeve? I love pushing my limits. I
heard someone saying that Nimsdai is full of surprises. Let's put
it that way, who knows what's next!
You are known to like a good party after your feats. How
long will this one last? Aha, one needs a good celebration
after a feat like this. It's like recuperation. I feel extremely happy
seeing all my team members happy. It may last a few weeks,
for sure.
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