Noted Costa Rican mountaineer Warner Rojas from Escazu, along with his compatriot Ligia Madrigal, are readying themselves for the challenging climb up Mount Everest. Stationed at the Base Camp, situated 17,598 feet above sea level, Rojas and Madrigal are bracing for the daunting ascent amidst changing weather conditions.
Rojas’s Strategy: Timely Ascent and Safety First
Rojas is meticulously calculating the optimal timing for his expedition. Recent fatalities of three sherpas on the mountain have underscored the importance of considering weather conditions for a successful and safe climb. Rojas, along with his sherpa Mingma Nurvo, aspires not only to conquer Everest but also Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth highest peak.
His calculated plan focuses on energy conservation and choosing an efficient route. If everything proceeds according to plan, Rojas will commence his ascent at dawn on May 19th, with the objective of reaching the summit by May 23.
Mountain Climbing Challenges: Weather Woes
On Monday, a group of 162 climbers departed Base Camp for Camp 2 and Camp 3. However, the unpredictable weather forced eight of them to abandon their ascent and return.
Ligia Madrigal currently holds her position at Camp 2, awaiting space to become available at higher camps as climbers progress further. The current weather conditions have resulted in a bottleneck effect, with mountaineers stranded at their current stations. The high wind speeds reaching up to 70 mph and freezing temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 degrees below zero are proving to be significant barriers.
This year, over 500 permits have been issued for Everest’s ascent. With the inclusion of sherpas, around 1,000 individuals are predicted to reach the summit, highlighting the enduring allure of the world’s highest peak.
