Manaslu, standing tall at 8163 metres, is not for the faint of heart. It ranks as the 8th highest mountain globally, with the 4th highest mortality rate, earning its reputation as a perilous undertaking.Dr. Usha Kiran’s epic 21-day ascent, which culminated on September 27, 2023, unfolded amidst the treacherous terrain, extreme cold, and the constant threat of avalanches.
In an exclusive dialogue, Dr. Usha Kiran delves into the technical challenges she faced: “Manaslu is a mighty mountain. The 21-day climb involved gruelling technical manoeuvres, navigating through icy cliffs and sheer vertical climbs. The relentless slopes tested every ounce of strength and resilience,” she recounts. The dangers inherent to Manaslu are manifold, with avalanches posing a constant threat. The region’s extreme cold and unpredictable weather patterns intensify the risks, making each step a calculated gamble. Dr. Usha Kiran’s ascent, marked by continuous oxygen intake from Camp 3 onwards due to critically low oxygen saturation, underscores the mountain’s unforgiving nature.
As the oldest Indian woman to conquer Manaslu, Dr. Usha Kiran’s accomplishment serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that age is no barrier to conquering the most challenging peaks.
During acclimatisation rounds, she climbed from the base camp at 3800 metres to camp one and camp two at 6400 metres, exposing herself to the harsh reality of high altitudes where human life struggles without sufficient oxygen.
In her message to aspiring mountaineers, Dr. Usha Kiran emphasises, “Manaslu demands respect. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about understanding the mountain’s nuances, respecting its dangers, and finding that delicate balance between pushing forward and knowing when to pause.”
As the news of Dr. Usha Kiran’s historic triumph spreads, the world marvels not only at her personal achievement but at the audacity to summit a mountain that demands the utmost respect from even the most seasoned climbers. Her journey becomes a testament to the indomitable spirit that dares to face the challenges of Manaslu and emerge victorious against all odds.
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