Fiona conquers demanding trek in Nepal

PORTALINGTON’S Fiona Boswell has conquered one of the most technically demanding trekking peaks in Nepal’s Everest region.
Along with her guide “Lakpa Nuru Sherpa”, Ms Boswell climbed 6,119 metres (20,075 feet) above sea level to Lobuche East Peak.
“It has been a goal of mine to climb over 6,000m in altitude as I have been over 5,000m four times and hiking is a passion of mine.
“Climbing was actually a key component to getting to the top of Lobuche unlike other trekking routes I have been to, such as Mt Kilimanjaro.
“Where climbing was concerned, I was in good hands with my guide Lakpa, who like many other sherpas are the unsung heroes of expeditions such as this.”
Ms Boswell, Portarlington Golf Club’s administration and marketing manager, said many mountaineering techniques were used during her ascent, including climbing, jumaring and abseiling.
“I also must admit crampons were certainly a challenge for me as I hadn’t found a training ground for them in downtown Portarlington where I live!”
Ms Boswell, who took off on September 27 and returned last week, said she began her climb at 2am in the morning and it wasn’t long until they were two-foot-deep in snow.
“And then imagine my surprise when we passed footprints in the snow that were from a snow leopard.
“I was very happy that I didn’t see it around camp earlier on in the evening.
“Our ascent in the dark continued until sunrise whereby we were blessed with outstanding 360-degree views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest – which felt like it was just within arm’s reach.
“All too quickly it was around seven in the morning and time to head back to high camp at 5,400m.”
She said it was her fifth visit to Nepal but climbing alone was not her drawcard to the country, as there was plenty on offer without venturing to high altitude areas.
“The Nepalese culture, villages and people make it a country to put on your bucket list – dramatic mountain views come free!”
If you would like more information about heading to Nepal, email Ms Boswell at [email protected] or her trekking company Cold Feet Adventure, which is offering 5 per cent discount off treks for Bellarine Times readers.
Contact Gopi at coldfeetadventure.com and mention “Fee Boswell”.