ID :
56619
Tue, 04/21/2009 - 14:52
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/56619
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First Emirati students complete arduous trek to Everest base camp
A group of youngsters who braved sub-zero temperatures, tackled treacherous mountain tracks and fought dizzying altitude sickness have become the first Emirati students to reach the roof of the world.
The determined teens from Rashid School for Boys in Dubai proudly waved their national flag as they arrived at Everest base camp after a 16-day trek through the Himalayas according to a report in '7Days'.
Mohammed Al Mana, 17, said: “It was exhausting but it was really worthwhile. “I was very proud to carry my country’s flag to base camp and I am very proud of the group.”
The six Year Ten and 12 students, accompanied by six teachers, sherpas and several hairy yaks, decided to swap the desert for the snow-capped peaks of Nepal in a life-changing challenge that has raised dhs800,000 for two charities.
Headteacher Glyn Kilsby was immensely proud of the boys’ achievement and he said: “It was an amazing success - all the boys did incredibly well and as far as we are aware they are the first Emirati students to ever make it to Mount Everest.”
Although the 5,480 metre climb went smoothly for the most part, it was not without drama.
The gang got off to a difficult start when heavy fog prevented their plane landing at their starting point Lukla and they were diverted to a tiny airstrip three days’ walk away from the beginning of their trek.
Kilsby said: “We thought we’d have time to acclimatise but because of the diversion we actually had to walk an extra three days before we even started.”
Eisa Al Hashimi celebrated his 17th birthday during the journey. He said: “The whole trip was a once in a lifetime experience.”
The gruelling route took the expedition through tiny mountain villages, along winding and snow-covered paths, and through Gorak Shep - the venue for the world’s highest cricket match to be played today by a group of 50 fans from around the globe. The funds raised will be split between the UAE Red Crescent and Nepalese charity Moving Mountains. – 7Days
The determined teens from Rashid School for Boys in Dubai proudly waved their national flag as they arrived at Everest base camp after a 16-day trek through the Himalayas according to a report in '7Days'.
Mohammed Al Mana, 17, said: “It was exhausting but it was really worthwhile. “I was very proud to carry my country’s flag to base camp and I am very proud of the group.”
The six Year Ten and 12 students, accompanied by six teachers, sherpas and several hairy yaks, decided to swap the desert for the snow-capped peaks of Nepal in a life-changing challenge that has raised dhs800,000 for two charities.
Headteacher Glyn Kilsby was immensely proud of the boys’ achievement and he said: “It was an amazing success - all the boys did incredibly well and as far as we are aware they are the first Emirati students to ever make it to Mount Everest.”
Although the 5,480 metre climb went smoothly for the most part, it was not without drama.
The gang got off to a difficult start when heavy fog prevented their plane landing at their starting point Lukla and they were diverted to a tiny airstrip three days’ walk away from the beginning of their trek.
Kilsby said: “We thought we’d have time to acclimatise but because of the diversion we actually had to walk an extra three days before we even started.”
Eisa Al Hashimi celebrated his 17th birthday during the journey. He said: “The whole trip was a once in a lifetime experience.”
The gruelling route took the expedition through tiny mountain villages, along winding and snow-covered paths, and through Gorak Shep - the venue for the world’s highest cricket match to be played today by a group of 50 fans from around the globe. The funds raised will be split between the UAE Red Crescent and Nepalese charity Moving Mountains. – 7Days
