ISLAMABAD –Asad Ali Memon became the first Asian and Pakistani to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest peak (5,895 metres or 19,341 ft) on the continent of South Africa, in less than 24 hours.
In a tweet, the 23-year-old said it took him 20 hours to complete the summit and return to the gate. He arrived at the “starting point: Umbwe Gate” of Mount Kilimanjaroon on the morning of February 14th, 2021.
According to a statement released by the Pakistani High Commissioner in Tanzania, the Umbwe route has a reputation for being the most challenging route to reach the top of Kilimanjaro due to its steep ascent.
“His mission to cross the summit and return within one day (24 hours) was achieved within the time limit despite the snowy and rainy weather during the day,” the statement said.
Memon added a new feather to his mountaineering achievements at the young age of 23.
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The young mountaineer, who is an undergraduate university student in Karachi, originally from Larkana, has climbed mountains in Pakistan, Nepal and Russia.
“I grew up in Larkana. There are no mountains there, but I knew I was always good at sports. I was athletic and then I stumbled upon mountaineering when I arrived in Karachi and attended an extreme sports seminar, and I just fell in love with him, “Memon told.
“Where I come from, nobody thinks about the mountains. It is easier for people in the north to pursue it, but not so much for someone like me who comes from the south of the country. I feel that my climbing can motivate others from Sindh. Hopefully they give. also an option for a sport “
Memon has been on the move with his series of climbs for about two years, previously climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia (the highest peak in Europe) and Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (the highest peak in South America), establishing himself as the youngest Pakistani to achieve results.
Memon’s goal is to climb Kilimanjaro to 20,000 feet in 24 hours. He explained that he trained in Gilgit-Baltistan in January before flying to Tanzania, while also spending time in Islamabad for follow-up, as well as training rigorously for more than three months.
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“I have worked tirelessly to improve my physical condition, mental health and oxygen levels. The goal of this climb is “Speed Ascend”. Nobody from Pakistan dared to try this. If successful, I would be the first Pakistani to climb the continent’s highest peak in less than 24 hours. This would be a huge milestone not only for me, but also for the Pakistani people, “said Memon, who has made a deal with his mother to make sure he stays safe and backs off in case of danger if there is 50- 55 percent of the risk involved.
“My mother was the best support for me. She is a health worker, she is very affectionate, so the agreement is that I have to be safe and if the risk is too much I will back out, “said the BBA student.
He added that he works and studies as well as solidifying his mountaineering career, but it is not easy and the challenges are much greater as there is mostly no sponsorship for mountaineers, and he has to rent the equipment just to pursue his own. passion.
“I work part time, study and it’s challenging. My goal is to gain experience, knowledge and leave a mark that others can follow, because in the end it all fades away.
“I started saving for my expenses, but I rented the equipment, because I can’t pay for everything myself, it’s difficult, it’s expensive. “All I have is a jacket, the rest I have to rent, which can be unreliable at times. New equipment can cost between Rs 800,000 and 1 million and of course I don’t have it. It can be used for five climbs at least “Memon said.
Memon believes that Tanzania is a good destination as it is relatively cheaper and easier for a certain period of time due to travel limitations. He said he thought climbing in Argentina was the easiest, while there was a learning curve in Russia and Nepal, where he climbed Camp 3 of Mount Everest and Kala Patthar.
“The mountains taught me patience. They taught me the importance of life. One wrong step can be deadly. There is a whole new world and a life to discover,” Memon said.
He goes for the climb in the context of the winter K2 expedition which has turned into a search and rescue mission, but Memon is fearless.
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