TAIPING: Khairil Aslan Ab Rasid set a record of sorts by conquering three Himalayan peaks in Kathmandu within a month.
Khairil Aslan, 40, of Batu Kurau succeeded in conquering Maru, Lobuche and Island peaks within a month since his arrival in mid-November.
He notified the Taiping Municipal Council Tourism and Media Division chief Hanim Ramly of his success via WhatsApp after his third solo expedition.
Narrating the story, Khairil Aslan said the weather at the time was very calm with winds reaching speeds of 60kph to 70kph throughout a three-hour climb.
According to him, the weather changed at a height of 5,900m at 4am, with winds reaching speeds of 140kph to 160kph and the temperature dropping drastically.
“Despite the sudden drop in temperature, I continued the climb.
“The wind at the time could have blown us off the mountain slope.
“We faced a critical situation at 5.50am when the three of us could barely move. It was freezing cold in the extreme weather in the mountain.
“I had difficulty breathing and my heart slowed down as if it would stop. We hugged each other and chanted verses in praise of Allah,” he said.
Khairil Aslan said the sun emerged at 6.45am and he was able to warm himself up and breathe properly to continue the climb to Crampon Point Ridge for cover and then to the peak of Island.
Khairil Aslan arrived home safely on Saturday night. — Bernama
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