|
Ten Nepali woman mountaineers, who created history last May by climbing Mt Everest, plan to summit all the highest peaks of seven continents by 2010. They disclosed their mission at a press meet organised at Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on March 6. The women will embark on their journey -- Himalayan Women to Seven Summit – with the slogan ‘inviting change, inviting the world’. They aim to climb all the highest peaks in seven continents – Mt Elbrus in Europe, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania, Kosciuszko in Australia, Vinson Massif in Antartica, Aconcagus in South America and Mt McKinley in North America. They have already climbed Mt Everest, the tallest peak in Asia and also in the world, through First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition in 2008. “Our team of young women is set to climb the highest mountain in each continent in the years 2009-2010,” Shailee Basnet, a member of the expedition, told the press meet. Speaking on the occasion chief executive officer of NTB Prachanda Man Shrestha said the young women’s mission would draw global attention to women’s and youths’ empowerment. “This will encourage more women and youngsters in the world to live out their dreamsn and hence show that women and yhouths can make a difference,” he shared. Shrestha also said the effort would support Nepal Tourism Year 2011 campaign, as it will help promote Nepal. The team will also conduct promotional events in Russia, Tanzania, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Australia, Argentina and USA during their journey. The team consists of Asha Kumari Singh, Nawang Phuti Sherpa, Pema Diki Sherpa, Nim Doma Sherpa, Usha Bista, Shailee Basnet, Maya Gurung, Chunu Shrestha, Pujan Acharya and Susmita Maskey. The first women to climb all the seven summits is Junko Tabei of Japan. Lakpa Rita Sherpa is the only Nepali to have achieved the rare feat so far. |
