Pathanamthitta: Shaikh Hassan Khan, a native of Pandalam in Pathanamthitta, Kerala scripted history when he became the first Malayali to conquer the highest peak in each of the seven continents. On November 10, Hassan completed his incredible journey when he reached the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's tallest mountain.
The 37-year-old mountaineer, who wore a traditional ‘kasavu mundu’ and carried the Indian flag atop Mount Kosciuszko, has now climbed the seven highest peaks -- a feat known as the ‘Seven Summits challenge.’ In the span of four years, he conquered Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Denali in North America, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua in South America, and Ojos del Salado, the world's highest volcano, in Chile. His journey was fuelled by determination and a loan of approximately Rs 45 lakh.
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Hassan’s mountaineering journey began after a trip to Darjeeling in 2015, where he was inspired by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. He trained in various institutes, including Uttarkashi, before attempting Everest in 2022. Despite a life-threatening lung infection and a failed first attempt, Hasan returned to the mountain and reached the summit, fulfilling his dream to raise the Indian flag on Everest during India's 75th Independence Day celebrations.
Hassan’s journey has been filled with life-threatening moments. He nearly ran out of oxygen on Everest, and during a climb of Mount Denali in 2023, he faced extreme conditions with hidden craters. Despite falling and injuring himself, he pushed through physical and mental exhaustion to complete his mission.
Hassan, an engineer by training, is now preparing to climb the highest peak in every country around the world. His life story, filled with struggles and triumphs, is being documented in a book published by Mathrubhumi Books. Hasan is married to Khadija Rani, and they have a daughter, Jahanara.
Published: 22 Nov 2024, 10:18 am IST
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