This story is from October 20, 2018

Meet the Mumbaikar who’s scaling the top 7 summits around the world

...she’s just back from climbing an icy, pre-Everest peak.
Meet the Mumbaikar who’s scaling the top 7 summits around the world
Ice no bar: Vamini Sethi's conquering one peak after another

You can take a girl away from the mountains, but you can’t take the mountains away from a girl. For Vamini Sethi (33), climbing these icy inclines is in her blood. She’s on a mission to conquer the top seven summits in the world and is halfway through her quest. “I’ve done Kilimanjaro in Africa in February this year, Mt Elbrus in Russia in June and just did Mt Mera, the highest trekking peak in Nepal.” While her job sees her as vice president in a consultancy firm in Mumbai, her heart is among the snowy peaks.
“I love the mountains; out there I feel calmer. They completely transform me and make me look at everything so differently. It’s a different world way above and its beautiful,” says the Bandra-based mountain lover.
‘This was one of the highest climbs I’ve done’
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Waiting to hit Mt Mera, the highest trekking peak in Nepal
Waiting to hit Mt Mera, the highest trekking peak in Nepal
Vamini’s recent climb to Nepal translated into a 20-day trip. “It takes that long as it takes that much time to acclimatise,” she explains. She travelled alone, flying from Mumbai to Kathmandu and then by chopper to Lukla, which is at 2,750 metres. “Lukla has got the world’s most dangerous airport and the flight here is most shaky. I took a helicopter as flights were not taking off owing to the weather,” she says.
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Making their way across the tricky terrain
Making their way across the tricky terrain

It is from here that the icy trek really began. “Every day, we would climb higher and then come back down to sleep on a lower level, so that the body got acclimatised,” she says. They did this for about 15 days to prep for the ultimate challenge. The scenery added to the experience. “It was so breath-takingly beautiful — the entire Himalaya range is mesmerising; you can sit here watching, for hours. It’s a magical world that everyone needs to see. After 3,300 metres, you cross the tree line and all you can see is snow around you. It can be pretty blinding to the eyes and you have to wear glasses along with your other mountaineering gear must-haves — snowboots, crampons (traction device with teeth added to boots), jumar (rope instrument that helps to climb), ice axe and a very good down jacket to keep warm,” she informs.
The major part of the day was spent climbing, of course. It took 15 days to reach base camp for Mera Peak. From there, they headed to high camp and finally, the attempt at the peak was to be at two in the night. “These climbs are always at midnight as the weather turns bad beyond a point. But I will never forget the moments I spent there — it was freezing cold and completely pitch dark with glittering starts overhead — a complete a snowy wonderland! We touched the summit at 7 am after that long, tough climb,” she says, adding, “The returns are always more difficult as the body is exhausted and sleep deprived. Finally, all we wanted, was to get a point where we could rest and recoup.”
You travel solo, but are never alone
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Their tents at High Camp
Their tents at High Camp
The best part of such as climb are the friendships forged along the way. “I met a few people from other countries who were also on the climb and we formed a nice group. We would have meals in the tree houses in Nepal — mostly dal bhat, which is the staple and which is also good for energy. We would also drink a lot of garlic soup as that helps in acclimatisation,” she adds.
Life-threatening chills, too
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The arduous climb had its flip sides, too. Vamini shares, “On the summit night, at one point, the wind was so strong that I almost got blown away, but my Sherpa held on to me; it was scary. Then after summit day on our way back from High Camp to Khare, my snow boots had started rubbing against my legs and I could do nothing about it. I couldn’t remove them though they became very painful. You also can’t take your gloves off for anything, so even opening the zip of a bag for a sip of water is tough, as small things like this cause frostbite immediately.” At 6,476 metres, the air was very thin and oxygen levels were at 40 per cent, so it was that much tougher to walk around. “You literally walk at 2 km per hour, take five steps and walk again. It’s very tough to perform at this altitude,” she states.
‘Dreams are made of rock, ice and desire’
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Nothing but miles of snow to meet the eye

For Vamini, one is never too old to follow one’s passion. “I think that the mountains we climb are the mountains of the mind,” she says, adding, “They are not made of only rock and ice, but also of dreams and desire. Making it to the top of Mera Peak at 6,476 metres was exciting as this was my first attempt at 6k+; it’s also one more off the bucket list. A big thank you to my sherpa, Namkha Lama, for holding me super-tight when I almost got swept away by the coldest wind. I’m also dedicating this climb to my husband, Vinod Baptist, for being super-supportive and encouraging.” She has a word for others who would like to try such a climb. “You must have the training to take up a summit like this. I used to add weights to my shoes and do inclines on the treadmill. Finally, being out there, challenges you to a point that you are able to deal with life in a better way,” she says.
So, what’s next? “In December, I plan to do Mt Aconcagua with a summit elevation of 6,908 metres (22,837 feet). It is the highest mountain in South America and one of the seven summits. Next year, Everest,” she signs off with a grin.
author
About the Author
Ismat Tahseen

Traveller, writer and foodie, not always in that order! Penchant for words, smart conversation and humour. Definitely humour. Grammar nazi, loves the newsroom and all that goes with it. Will write till I die!

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