When I last interacted with Sangeeta S Bahl, she was very enthusiastic for Everest summit. She was able to reach the last camp. Then I read the news, that she was evacuated from Everest ( Sagarmatha as Nepalese call it). I was glad to know that she was fine. Knowing her do or die attitude, I knew that Sangeeta would definitely not rest until she summits the Everest. So I was curious to talk to her. Below are the discussion points.

Sangeeta S Bahl sitting outside base camp at Everest

Everest Summit by Sangeeta S Bahl

1. What are the challenges you faced during your mission Everest?

You can never train enough for Everest. Every day is a new challenge because when you put one foot ahead of another its a challenge in each step. I was on Everest for 51 days and my biggest challenge was to stay alive and healthy each single day. Most importantly was to look after myself with proper eating and hydration which helps in acclimatisation. Sleeping was another issue on high altitude when the winds mercilessly sway the tents making it difficult to sleep at a go. The other factor on Everest base camp was the avalanches from the mountains  and the thunderous noises at night.

3rd ladder crossing from camp1 to camp2

The biggest challenge by far was to stay patient waiting for the summit push rotation and that by far was sometimes full of anxiety . When it finally happened, I was so excited but got sick to my stomach going up.

1st Khumbu Icefall near football field

2. What are your next plans?

My plans for climbing Everest continues and I will not rest till I reach the top

2nd vertical ladder crossing climbing going up to camp1 19,500 ft

3. How will you prepare yourself for Sagarmatha?

I will train harder for sagarmatha and all the learnings I have experiences will be used to scale the mountain. Plan to lose more weight before I go up next time.

5th Lhotse face the most dangerous part going up to camp3 23,500 ft

Sangeets S Bahl has already started her training to reach Sagarmatha with all her zest and enthusiasm. We wish Sangeeta the best for Everest Summit!

Nidhi KM

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