KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) – A team of 10 Nepalese climbers who became the first to climb the second highest peak in the world during the harsh winter season welcomed a hero on Tuesday when he returned home to Nepal.
Climbers, supporters, friends and family lined Kathmandu airport to greet climbers with garlands and cheers as a police band sang songs. Then they were driven around the city in open trucks.
“As a team we feel really proud; we feel truly honored. I think we have sent a really clear message to the world, if we unite, nothing is impossible, so everyone is happy here, ”said Nirmal Purja, one of the team members who also holds the record for the fastest climb. among the 14 highest peaks in the world.
The winter climb marks another achievement for Nepalese climbers who for decades have worked as porters and guides for foreign climbers, but now set their own records and lead expeditions to the highest peaks.
“This expedition has raised the status of Nepalese climbers to a new height, which is an achievement for all mountaineers and shows that we can not achieve anything if we try,” said Mingma Sherpa, who organized the expedition.
K2 is the most prominent peak on the Pakistani side of the Himalayan range and is second only to Mount Everest. K2 remained the last peak of over 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) in the world, which was still to be climbed in winter.
The Nepalese team made sure that all 10 members reached the summit at the same time.
“All 10 of us worked together at the same level. We have all taken a big risk for our lives. I felt that there must be justice for every member of the team “, said Purja.