Two Climbers, Three Attempts, One Summit—India’s Everest Story Rewritten

Image Source: Adventure Pulse

After six years of setbacks, neardeath experiences, and turning back just 900 metres from the summit, Indian mountaineers Samir Patham and Sauraj Jhingan have released a gripping memoir titled What’s Your Everest? A Path to Passion and Purpose. The book captures their relentless pursuit of Everest and the emotional terrain they conquered along the way.

Key Highlights:

The duo faced a deadly avalanche in 2015, hurricaneforce winds in 2017, and financial hurdles before finally summiting Everest in 2018.
Their journey spanned three expeditions, each marked by physical exhaustion, emotional resilience, and unwavering teamwork.
The book explores themes of leadership, loss, and perseverance, offering readers a metaphorical lens to reflect on their own “Everests”.

Memoir Insights:

The climbers recount their harrowing ascent through the Khumbu Icefall, the Lhotse wall, and the Death Zone, where survival often trumps ambition.
A pivotal moment came when they encountered a dazed Russian climber in need of rescue, underscoring the fragility of life at high altitudes.
The narrative also highlights the role of Sherpa leader Mingma Tenzi, whose strength and compassion became a beacon during their final summit push.

Emotional Resonance:

The tent at South Col became a sanctuary of recovery, camaraderie, and reflection, even hosting what may have been the world’s highest game of Uno.
Their story is not just about conquering Everest, but about rising every time they fell—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Sources: ThePrint, Scroll.in, Adventure Pulse, Bloomsbury India.