7 Mangaloreans seek to test their endurance with Everest trek

The Hindu

Mangalore, 05 April 2012: In about 10 days, seven Mangaloreans, including a woman, will begin their journey towards Eastern Himalayas to test their endurance level by attempting to reach the base camp at 20,000 ft from sea level.

 

They will begin their climb from Lukla in Nepal — the regular route taken by those who want to conquer the Mount Everest. “We want to climb the Kala Pathar peak,” said Manohar Shetty, an SBI employee and secretary of the Mangalore unit of Youth Hostels Association of India, which has organised the trek. He has been to the Western Himalayas thrice but would attempt a climb from the eastern side mountain ranges for the first time this month.

 

 

The other members of the team are Keshav Suvarna, an employee of KIOCL, who is the president of the association; Channakeshava Suvarna, former secretary of the association and a businessman; Sathish Rao, head of the Department of Psychiatry, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy; Florine Roache, a programme executive with All India Radio; Shrihari, a financial advisor; and Rithesh, a businessman.

 

All of them have been active trekkers, according to the president of the association. Though Dr. Rao is 57, he has been physically fit and well-equipped to undertake such an expedition mentally too, he said. Mr. Channakeshava has earlier undertaken trek to Kailash and Manasa Sarovar.

 

Mr. Shetty said this was the first time that a group from Mangalore was attempting to reach the base camp on behalf of the Mangalore unit of the association.

 

“Reaching the base camp is not easy,” Mr. Shetty said. “Temperature can be as low as minus 10 degrees and supply of oxygen is less,” he added. From 15,000 ft and above the climb would be steep. Hence the team members had been meeting every Sunday to undertake treks that would enhance their endurance. Last Sunday, they walked on sand from KIOCL to Bunder.

 

The higher you go the expenses of the food and water would go up too, said Mr. Keshav Suvarna. A cup of tea would cost Rs. 100 and a bottle of water Rs. 200 depending on the rush.

 

The team was keen to reach the Kudremukh peak and experience the low temperature but it could not get permission because of “naxal activities” in the jungles.

 

Leaving here on April 14, they will reach New Delhi by train and take a flight to Kathmandu and another flight from there to Lukla. They will return here by May 4.

 

The Mangalore unit of the Association has organised other treks in Western Ghats and nature study camps. Those interested may contact Mr. Keshav Suvarna (9449913306) or Mr. Shetty (9449333706).