Malaysian Ravichandran conquers Everest for third time

T. Ravichandran is greeted by his wife Leela Ramamurthy at the KL International Airport after climbing Mount Everest for a third time.

PETALING JAYA: Mount Everest climber T. Ravichandran who climbed the world's highest peak solo twice has done it again.

However this time he brought two climbers who were aged 40 and 64 years old, respectively, with him and successfully completed the mission on May 12.

"It was totally a different experience this time, bringing two people aged 40 and 64 and I am fully satisfied and proud of what I have accomplished.

"For the record, the 64-year-old was the oldest ever to conquer Mount Everest this year," Bernama quoted him as saying when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (May 22).

Recalling his experience on the expedition, Ravichandran, 57, said the challenge was to ensure the physical and mental strength of his clients was stable compounded with the issue of unpredictable weather.

A son of Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan, Ravichandran began his third expedition in May through the base, second and third camps and took a rest on May 5 before continuing the journey from May 9 to 11 before reaching the peak on May 12.

The group climbed down on May 15.

"Every time when there is a new expedition, there are different challenges, but it moulds your confidence, as it wasn't easy as you need to brave winds blowing at 25km-an-hour until your fingers freeze and you have to use oxygen.

"At the same time, I have to ensure that the clients were always stable and do not give up before reaching the peak.

"It is the happiest moment as we can see the expression of joy on their faces," added Ravichandran, father of one.

Meanwhile, Ravichandran is planning to conquer Mount Everest a fourth time next year, where the Universiti Putra Malaysia alumni said he would prepare comprehensively for the mission as it would be without oxygen tanks.