Solo Taiping climber conquers three Himalaya peaks in Nepal

Solo climber, Khairil Aslan Ab Rasid set his own history by conquering three Himalaya peaks in Kathmandu, Nepal within a month.

The Batu Kurau, Taiping-born, Khairul notified his success after his third solo expedition via WhatsApp to the Taiping Municipal Council Tourism and Media Division chief Hanim Ramly.

Khairil Aslan, 40, succeeded in conquering three peaks, namely, Maru, Lobuche and Island within a month since his presence there in mid-November.

Narrating the story, Khairil Aslan said the weather at that time was very calm with winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/hr throughout a three-hour climb, which was considered normal.

According to Khairil Aslan the weather changed at a height of 5,900 metres at 4am, with strong winds reaching speeds of 140 to 160 km/hour and the temperature dropped drastically.

"The temperature dropped suddenly but I continued my climb despite the critical situation. The wind at the time could blow us off the mountain slope. We faced a critical situation at 5.50am when the three of us could not move since our bodies were frozen by the extreme cold weather.

"I had difficulty breathing and my heart slowed down as if it would stop. We hugged each other and uttered La illaha illallah and Allahu Akbar," he told Hanim.

Khairil Aslan said the sun emerged at 6.45am and he was able to warm himself and breathe to continue the climb to the Crampon Point Ridge for cover and then to the peak of Island.

Hanim said Khairil Aslan was to arrive in Malaysia at the KL International Airport at 9.40pm Saturday.

"Let us hope Khairil Aslan receives the support from all. He is willing to share his experience with youths and anyone keen on such expeditions," he said.