Nimni heads for Everest today
Bangladeshi mountaineer Nurunnahar Nimni is set to begin a 50-day expedition from Dhaka to Nepal with the goal of conquering Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, and raising the Bangladesh flag at the summit.
A flag handover ceremony and press briefing were held on Friday at Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club ahead of her departure.
After receiving the flag, she said her journey would begin with her departure for Nepal, from where she will attempt Everest via the southern route. She added that her previous successful summit gave her the confidence to take on Everest, reports media.
“To prepare for this summit, I have been training for several months, starting my days at 5:00am. After finishing my office job from 10:00am to 6:00pm, I make sure to hit the gym to keep myself fit.”she said.
Asked about her future plans, she said she prefers not to think too far ahead.”For now, I just want to return safely,” she added, reports media.
Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari and women’s rights activist Shireen Parveen Haque attended as guests of honour.
Pubali Bank PLC Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Ali joined as a special guest, representing the expedition sponsor, while mountaineer and two-time Everest summiteer M A Muhith conducted the press conference.
Nimni has previously received basic mountaineering training in India and has scaled peaks in the 6,000- and 7,000-metre categories.
She will first collect essential climbing gear and spend time acclimatising at base camp before moving to Camp I to adapt further, eventually beginning her summit push once her team gives clearance.
She said she has been preparing for Everest since 2022, training in Darjeeling and participating in multiple expeditions with mixed results. Her successful ascent of Nepal’s 7,126-metre Himlung Himal last year proved to be a turning point, strengthening her determination to attempt Everest.
The Everest expedition is being organised by the Bangladesh Mountaineering and Trekking Club (BMTC) and sponsored by Pubali Bank PLC.
Addressing the programme, Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari wished Nimni success in her 50-day journey, noting that if she succeeds, she will become the third female mountaineer from Bangladesh to reach the Everest summit.
Recalling a childhood lesson, he said standing before a mountain reminds people of their own smallness when arrogance arises after success.
He also said mountaineering helps strengthen people-to-people ties and diplomatic relations between countries. Other guests also extended their best wishes to Nimni for her expedition.
