A seven-member team of Nepali mountaineers which is on a campaign to ascend all highest mountains in the seven continents are set to climb the seventh mountain of their mission.
Considered the most challenging, the Mt Vinson Massif, the tallest mountain in Antarctica is their last hurdle.
The seven-member team was handed over the Nepali flag for the final ascent amidst a programme held by Nepal Mountaineers Association (NMA) here on Monday.
At the programme, Constituent Assembly member Rajan KC commended the contribution of the team in promoting Nepal’s tourism in the world and pledged all necessary support.
The daring mountaineers from Nepal will now try taming Mt Vinson Massif, considered the most dangerous of all and located in inhospitable conditions of Antarctica, and standing 4,892 metres above sea level.
If successful, the team will be the first women’s team to ascend the mountain, which lies at a distance of 1,200 km from the South Pole.
The feat will cost an estimated Rs 50 million.
Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Suresh Man Shrestha pledged to provide the entrance fare to Antarctica while stating that the ascension of the mountain will be very important for tourism development in the country.
Shailee Basnet, a member of the team, said the women had been running a campaign to promote education and woman empowerment, and preserving the environment along with the mission of ascending the highest peaks of all the continents. She urged one and all for support.
NMA Chairman Ang Tsering Sherpa said the daring attempt will contribute an important support in promoting tourism in the country. He called for support from all sectors for the women attempting to climb the most dangerous and expensive peak in the world.
Participants in the programme underscored the need for government support as the women will be unfurling Nepal’s national flag at the peak of the mountain.
