1. What inspired you to take up mountaineering, and how did you decide to climb Mount Everest twice?
My love for mountains started when I was young, spending summers in the local Sahyadri mountains driving around with my dad. But the real turning point was a trip to Shimla with my wife in February 2009. We were in Narkanda, surrounded by snow, and I felt something I'd never experienced before - total peace and happiness. I could hear my own heartbeat! That moment changed everything. I knew I wanted to chase that feeling in the mountains.
A few months later, I trekked to Everest Base Camp, and seeing Everest at sunset, I promised myself I'd stand on top one day. It became my biggest dream. I climbed Everest in 2016, but I wasn't fully satisfied because I used some non-vegan gear. So I went back in 2019 to do it 100% vegan - no animal products in my food or gear. It was about proving that you can achieve extreme things while staying true to your ethics.
2. How has being vegan influenced your mountaineering journey, especially in terms of diet and gear?
Being vegan has been a huge part of my mountaineering journey. When I decided to climb Everest, I told myself I'd do it as a vegan or not at all. There was a lot of skepticism in the mountaineering community - people thought you needed animal products to survive at high altitudes. I wanted to prove them wrong.
Diet-wise, I worked closely with expedition cooks to create vegan menus. It's not just about replacing meat with veggies - you need high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods at altitude. I relied a lot on dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, and even things like Oreo cookies for quick calories.
Gear was trickier. Finding vegan alternatives for things like down suits and high-altitude mittens was a real challenge. For my 2019 Everest climb, I collaborated with Save the Duck to create the world's first vegan summit suit for 8000m peaks. It was a game-changer, proving that synthetic materials can perform just as well as down in extreme conditions.
 |
"I never lost sight of my goal because I had a limitless source of strength to tap into- I was climbing for those who no longer could". |
3. What kind of physical and mental preparation goes into climbing Mount Everest, especially as a vegan?
Preparing for Everest is intense, vegan or not. Physically, I train 6 days a week, focusing on cardio, strength, and endurance. I do things like climbing 300 floors up and down, running 20km, or hiking for 18 hours straight. As a vegan, I pay extra attention to my nutrition, ensuring I get enough protein and calories from plant sources.
Mentally, it's about building resilience. I do things like going on long treks without food or water to prepare for potential emergencies on the mountain. It's also about emotional preparation - learning to be away from family for months and dealing with the risks involved.
The vegan aspect adds another layer. You need to be confident in your choices when people question them. But it also gives you a mental edge - knowing you're climbing for a cause bigger than yourself.
4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your Everest expeditions, and how did you overcome them?
My Everest journey had some major setbacks. In 2014, my expedition was canceled after an avalanche killed 16 Sherpa guides. In 2015, we were at base camp when a massive earthquake hit Nepal, triggering avalanches that swept through our camp. These experiences were traumatic, but they also taught me to respect the mountain and understand the risks involved.
During the climbs themselves, the biggest challenges were the extreme cold, thin air, and physical exhaustion. There were moments when every step felt impossible. I overcame these by breaking the climb into small, manageable goals - just focusing on the next step, the next hour.
Another challenge was proving that a vegan could do this. Every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself that I was climbing for all the animals and to show that vegans can do anything.
5. How do you incorporate sustainability and environmental consciousness into your mountaineering practices?
Sustainability is a huge part of my mountaineering philosophy. First, my vegan lifestyle itself is a statement about sustainability - animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, which is affecting our mountains.
In terms of gear, I always look for sustainable options. My summit suit from Save the Duck is partly made from recycled materials. I try to use gear for as long as possible, repairing rather than replacing when I can.
During expeditions, I'm meticulous about waste management. I always carry out all my trash and encourage others to do the same. I also try to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on the Himalayas - the glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring mountaineers who are also considering a vegan lifestyle?
First, don't let anyone tell you it's impossible. If I can climb Everest twice on a vegan diet, you can achieve your mountaineering goals too.
Focus on nutrition - learn about plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods. Experiment with your diet during training to find what works for you.
Invest time in finding the right gear. The market for vegan outdoor gear is growing, but you might need to do some research or even work with companies to create custom solutions.
Use your veganism as a strength, not a limitation. It can give you a powerful 'why' for your climbs.
Lastly, be patient and persistent. Building the skills and fitness for big mountains takes time. Enjoy the journey, not just the summit.
7. What is your go-to vegan snack when you're on a climb, and why?
My absolute favorite is dried fruits, especially dates. They're calorie-dense, full of natural sugars for quick energy, and packed with nutrients. Plus, they're lightweight and don't freeze, which is crucial at high altitudes.
I also love energy bars made from nuts and dried fruits. They provide a good balance of carbs, fats, and proteins.
And I can't forget Oreo cookies! They might not be the healthiest, but when you're burning upwards of 10,000 calories a day on a summit push, you need all the energy you can get. Plus, they're a familiar comfort food that can give you a mental boost when things get tough.
The key is to have a variety of snacks. Your appetite can be unpredictable at altitude, so having options is important. Whatever gets you the calories you need and keeps you going - that's the best snack
Bio
){kind=link}
0 Comments