The grit begins tomorrow

First Telugu woman leaving to scale Mt Everest

Pudota Neillima, a techie who could not scale Mt Everest due to the earthquake in Napal last year, has once again embarked on an expedition to conquer the world’s highest peak. Her journey, which will begin on Friday, will take about three months to complete.

Speaking to The Hans India on Wednesday Neillima said that Everest is her dream and she would not rest until she reaches the top of the world. “Death may happen here or at Everest. I will not stop my adventures and will scale the Everest for sure,” says the 29-year-old.

Recalling the earthquake incident, Neillima’s mother Kondaveeti Papa said that a satellite phone call from one of the group members conveyed to them about their daughter’s safety.

“My daughter is bold and determined. The moment she reached Delhi after the earthquake, she informed us that she will again take up expedition. Mountaineer Malli Mastan Babu was her inspiration,” shares her mother and added that her daughter is a singer, professional dancer and a writer.

Speaking about the expedition Neillima says, “Every step you’re moving ahead on the Everest is a step you’re taking against the gravity and defying the obvious to be on top of the world. So, to balance the very obvious and basic necessities; to survive becomes a herculean task.”

Neillima will be scaling Everest from China. She says that the Andhra Pradesh government, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh and AP Mineral Development Corporation, and small industries have been a good support.

“Food supplies, water, sleep and even oxygen is a luxury on the mountains. Clothing and equipment are made to sustain temperatures of 50°C while keeping it lightweight too considering the fact that everything has to be carried along with them. Such equipments made with advanced technology come with a minimum cost of Rs 5 lakh,” she says.

The expedition cost includes the Mt. Everest Royalty fee to be paid to the Govt. of Nepal/China that costs to approximately Rs 7 lakh. A careful and guided expedition on the Everest requires highly skilled Mountain Guides called Sherpas. A good Personal Climbing Sherpa is hired at a minimum cost Rs 6 lakh.

“Smaller expenses like travel, satellite phone calls, nutritional requirements, high Altitude Training, insurance etc., make the total expedition cost close to Rs 35 lakh. In spite of using equipment of such advanced technology, mountaineers climb with a weight close to 20-25 kg and with a lot of good spirits,” she explains

“While the physical and mental task is totally mine to conquer, you can help me win over the financial challenge by donating generously and gifting me some good spirit,” concludes the gritty mountaineer.