Northeast mountaineers to climb Mount Everest

A total 22 mountaineers from the north east, including five girls, will participate in the North East Everest Expedition-2011.

 

The participants were selected by the Darjeeling-based Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) during a camp held in September-October, Northeast Adventure Foundation, the organisers, said.

 

"The approach to the 8848 m high peak will be made from the north side, which is technically very challenging and requires endurance of the highest order. Before this major expedition, a pre-expedition to Mt Satopath is being proposed," the organisers said.

 

Nasim Akhtar of the foundation will lead the expedition, while Col Neeraj Rana of HMI will assist him. K Wallambok Lyngdoh and Lucy Jyrwa of Meghalaya have been selected among the 20 other youths of the north east to take part in this expedition, which will be flagged off in March and end in June.

 

"It is a very big opportunity. It is any climber's dream to put his foot on the Everest," Wallambok said.

 

The North East Adventure Foundation has estimated the budget for the expedition as Rs2.32 crore and have sought help from the governments of the north east states.