28/02/11

A Nepalese mountaineer is set to become the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice in one season; and all for Childreach Nepal!

Susmita Maskey, who needs to raise over £30,000 for the trip, will donate seventy percent of proceeds to Childreach Nepal. The rest of the funding will go towards the cost of her climb, which includes all equipment and national park fees.

Beginning her journey in April, the intrepid explorer will be accompanied by a support team until she reaches Everest base camp.  In mid May she will begin her ascent to the summit, which stands at 29,028 feet. After reaching the top she will return to base camp, only to climb to the peak again within the same season.

Freezing temperatures and ferocious winds

Supported by bottled Oxygen, Susmita will brave freezing temperatures, ferocious winds and the risk of avalanches. Even with the world’s best equipment, all climbers suffer altitude sickness from the harsh conditions, with symptoms such as incline impaired judgment, headaches, nausea and vomiting, double vision and hallucinations.

The expedition will raise money for Childreach Nepal’s toilet project in Terai, which aims to install 100 latrines in local schools and educate children on gender equality. At present the lack of toilet and sanitation facilities are deterring children, partially girls, from attending lessons. Open latrines leave women at risk of ridicule, abuse and infection, particularly after they hit puberty. As a result, many are unwilling to attend school and their education suffers. Childreach Nepal hopes to decrease the dropout percentage by 5% in the next five years by providing clean, private latrines for young women in schools.

This impressive feat isn't Susmita’s first trip up Mount Everest. In 2008 she led a group of 10 women, aged between 17 and 30, on an expedition to the summit. A keen ambassador for women’s rights, Susmita is determined to promote gender equality in schools and provide talented young women in the region with the education they deserve.

For further information or to give, please contact Shristee Lamsal

If you want to get involved in your own challenge then why not climb to Everest Base camp with us. Find out more here.