Setting his sights high

Nepal: Prakash Raj Pandey’s journey started in the peaceful village of Tilpung, now called Tamakoshi Rural Municipality, in Ramechhap. “My entire family was in the army, but I wanted to carve a different path—one that would make my nation proud,” he says.

photo:Chatur Tamang

 His childhood was simple yet rugged, shaped by challenges such as his mother’s health problems, which instilled in him strength and determination. He grew up in a family of eight, with five brothers and a sister. Life in the village demanded hard work and perseverance, as the family relied on these values for their livelihood. After spending time in Ramechhap, his parents moved the family to Kathmandu to seek better opportunities.

 

“In the village, I attended a government school, which is why I struggled with English,” recalls Pandey. His academic journey was far from conventional. After moving to Kathmandu, he transitioned to a private school, where he skipped several grades progressing from nursery straight to Grades 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9. “Balancing studies, family responsibilities, and my mother’s health challenges was incredibly difficult,” he reflects. Despite these obstacles, Pandey was responsible for supporting his family, working to provide for his siblings and ensuring they received an education.

 

Pandey’s passion for mountaineering ignited during his school years as a Scouts member. He was inspired by the history of Scouting and its global legacy. In 2007, he came across information about the Baden-Powell Scout Peak, a mountain in Nepal named to commemorate 100 years of the scouting movement. Learning that only one Nepali had ever climbed it piqued his curiosity and deepened his interest in mountaineering.

 

In 2016, Pandey set out to climb Baden-Powell Scout Peak as a member of Nepal Scouts. “I wanted to promote scouting and tourism in Nepal,” he shares. This expedition became a pivotal moment, further fueling his dream of one day conquering Mount Everest.

 

However, climbing Everest was far from an easy dream. It required training, financial resources, and public trust—none of which came easily. “People doubted me. They said I was too short or inexperienced,” he recalls. Undeterred, Pandey climbed Island Peak (Imja Tse) in 2017 with the help of his guide, Anil Bhattarai, achieving his goal of scaling a 6,000-meter mountain in Nepal.

 

Later that year, he led a team of national and international climbers to the summit of Baden-Powell Scout Peak again, marking another milestone in his mountaineering journey.

 

Preparing to climb mountains is no easy feat. For Pandey, it required intense physical and mental training. His routine included running every morning with a 15-kilogram bag, cycling in the afternoon, swimming in the evening, and trekking on certain days. “There was no specific season or month for training. I kept at it regularly,” he explains. Despite limited resources, Pandey remained steadfast in his commitment, ensuring he was always ready to face the challenges ahead.

 

Pandey’s expeditions are rooted in Nepalese heritage and values. “The mountains taught us the value of teamwork and cooperation,” he reflects. Leading several climbing teams, including an 11-member team on Everest, he emphasised resource-sharing—from food to shelter—embodying Nepal's spirit of generosity. “Up there, even sharing a bite of ‘Snickers’ feels monumental,” he recalls.

 

His journey also highlights the contributions of Sherpas. “Without Sherpas, these mountains wouldn’t be accessible. They are the gods of the mountains,” he asserts, paying tribute to these often-overlooked heroes.

 

Mountaineering comes with its fair share of challenges, and the 2015 earthquake in Nepal was a turning point in Pandey’s life. “When we visited Langtang after the earthquake, there were no homestays, and the locals were still grieving their losses. It was one of the first challenges I faced in my climbing journey,” he shares.

 

Convincing his family, especially his mother, to support his dream was equally challenging. “Others saw it as my personal goal, but I wanted people to understand that I was doing this for Nepal,” he explains, highlighting his larger vision beyond personal achievement.

 

Even geopolitical events added to the difficulties of Pandey’s journey. While climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia, he had to navigate the complexities of obtaining visas amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict and complete the expedition as quickly as possible. “As a Nepali, getting visas abroad can be exhausting,” he shares.

 

Despite these hurdles, Pandey never wavered in his determination. “I’ve climbed 10 mountains, including Kilimanjaro. Death never crossed my mind as a discouragement,” he says. His philosophy is simple: “Work hard, and never give up. Even if the results aren’t favourable.”

 

Reflecting on his journey, Pandey admits he learned many lessons the hard way. “During my first climb of Baden-Powell Scout Peak, I had to borrow a porter’s shoes because I didn’t know specific gear was required. I’ll forever be thankful to that porter,” he says. “Now, I research thoroughly before any expedition.”

 

Pandey’s journey has been built on collaboration and community support. His expeditions have been a collective effort from the Ramechhap Rural Municipality to Nepal Scouts and local businesses. He recalls how even school students contributed their piggy bank savings to support his Everest climb.

 

This sense of community drives Pandey’s mission to inspire others. He encourages Nepali youth to dream big through talks, jamborees, and speeches. “Your Sagarmatha doesn’t have to be Everest. It could be becoming a psychologist or excelling in any field. The key is to aim high and work hard,” he advises.

 

As a Scout leader and Rotary Club member, Pandey engages with Nepali youth, encouraging them to explore tourism, yoga, and religious visits. “Mountaineering can play a key role in addressing mental health issues among youth. It’s about finding a purpose beyond traditional education,” he believes.

 

Pandey refers to his guides as his “parents on the mountains,” cherishing the invaluable lessons they’ve taught him in teamwork and leadership. He emphasises that Nepali climbers and foreigners share a mutual respect for the mountains, with Sherpas as the backbone of every expedition.

 

For Pandey, success is a collective accomplishment, not just a personal one. “It’s the success of everyone who has supported me,” he says. Reflecting on pivotal moments, he recalls the students and individuals who believed in him when even prominent business leaders did not. “Standing on the summit of Everest, I thought of their contributions and felt grateful,” he reflects.

 

Pandey is determined to conquer the Seven Summits, a challenge that requires reaching the highest peak on each continent. His next goal is to summit Aconcagua in Argentina. Alongside this ambitious pursuit, he is committed to advancing education, advocating for youth, promoting tourism, and supporting mental health initiatives for Nepali youth.