NEW DELHI: Achieving yet another milestone in his ambitious journey, Shaikh Hassan Khan, a 36-year-old government employee from Kerala, has successfully ascended Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. This remarkable feat marks his conquest of the fifth-highest peak, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments.
Speaking to PTI from a camp in Antarctica, Khan shared that he reached the summit at 8:40 pm local time on December 12 and proudly hoisted the Indian flag.The underlying mission of his expedition is to raise awareness about the climate change challenges unfolding in Antarctica.
In addition to Mount Vinson, Khan has conquered four other towering peaks, namely Mount Everest in Asia, Mount Denali in North America, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Mount Elbrus in Europe.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Khan endured frostbite on both hands during the ascent, and he is currently undergoing treatment at the Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica. The extreme conditions at the summit, where temperatures dropped to as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, exemplify the formidable nature of his accomplishment.
Undeterred by the harsh conditions, Khan looks forward to his upcoming ventures. In the coming days, he plans to travel to Chile and then to Argentina, where he aims to conquer Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak outside the Himalayas and another significant milestone in his quest.
While on leave from his government job, Khan relies on the support of his close friends for planning these challenging and awe-inspiring expeditions. His relentless pursuit of conquering the world’s highest peaks stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit and commitment to making a positive impact on the global stage.