KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) – A team of ten Nepalese climbers who became the first to climb the second highest peak in the world during the harsh winter season was welcomed by a hero on his way home to Nepal Tuesday.
Mountaineers, supporters, friends and family lined up at Kathmandu airport to greet the climbers with garlands and cheers as a police band played songs. They were then driven through the city in open trucks.
“As a team we are very proud; we feel very honored. I think we sent a very clear message to the world, if we unite anything, it’s impossible, so everyone is happy here, ”said Nirmal Purja, one of the team members who also holds the record for the fastest climb of the 14 highest peaks in the world.
The winter climb marks another achievement for Nepalese climbers who for decades worked as goalkeepers and guides for foreign mountaineers, but are now setting their own records and running expeditions to the highest peaks.
“This expedition has elevated the status of Nepalese climbers to a new height, which is a success for all mountaineers and shows that there is nothing we cannot achieve if we try,” said Mingma Sherpa, who organize the expedition.
K2 is the most prominent peak of the Pakistani side of the Himalayan range and only ranks second in height up Mount Everest. The K2 had remained as the last peak above 8,000 meters in the world that had yet to be climbed in the winter.
The Nepalese team made sure all 10 members reached the summit at the same time.
“All 10 of us worked together at the same level. We all took a big risk for our lives. We felt it had to be justice for all team members, ”Purja said.