Kathmandu – Dancer and actress Kavita Nepali successfully summited two peaks over 8,000 meters — Mount Everest on Sunday and Lhotse on Monday. Climbing two of the world’s tallest mountains within 24 hours, she returned directly to Kathmandu from Lukla on Wednesday.
While speaking with Artist Khabar at the airport, she shared her experiences.
What were the difficulties while climbing Everest?
“It’s hard to even talk about the difficulties,” she said. “Some of my fellow climbers died. Some lost their fingers. I don’t even want to remember those moments. Thankfully, nothing happened to me.”
Did you already plan to climb Lhotse along with Everest before you left, or was that decision made after reaching there?
The plan to climb both mountains was made right from here. The friends who went with me also intended to climb Lhotse, but once we got there, they couldn’t go through with it. However, I had already decided that I would complete the climb no matter what, and I did. Knowing that Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world, I was determined to summit it.
How did the idea to climb mountains come about?
I was filming for the movie Eklo, and part of the shoot took place near Everest. Being so close to the Himalayas, I felt like the mountains were calling me. At that time, actress Diyah Pun, who had already climbed Everest, was also with us. I used to have conversations with her, and gradually, I felt that I too must experience it at least once in my life. I had also heard the story of Lhakpa Sherpa, known as the Everest Queen, which inspired me even more.
How was it possible to summit Lhotse just 24 hours after Everest?
After summiting Everest, we had to descend to Camp 4, and from there, climb again toward Lhotse. That entire process took about 24 hours.
Did you ever feel like turning back in the middle?
Yes, while climbing Lhotse, I felt very scared. The Khumbu Icefall is extremely terrifying. An avalanche was falling just about 100 meters in front of us — we climbed through sheer fear. A Romanian climber was ascending with me, and he even took some photos of me from below. Unfortunately, I later found him dead at a higher altitude. He had attempted the climb without oxygen. That moment was extremely difficult and frightening for me.
Presented by: Gopi Krishna Chapagain
11th July,2024
