Vilborg Arna Gissurardóttir has now reached 4,200 meters of the way to the top of Mount Everest, Nepal, vísir.is reports. Vilborg intends to be the first Icelandic woman to conquer the mountain—the highest on earth, at 8,848 meters.
On April 8, Vilborg wrote on her blog that she had reached Camp Pheriche, which is at an altitude of approximately four kilometers.
“We have now entered the critical phase of altitude adaptation; in most cases the complications begin to surface at between 4,000 and 5,000 meters,” she wrote.
She added that for her, the altitude adjustment was the hardest challenge.
“However, I feel great and really hope that that feeling will remain. The group is in good health and great spirits. We will be here for two days to rest and to work on adapting to the altitude. We will reach Base Camp in five days, if all goes according to plan.”
Vilborg confesses that she has fallen head over heels for Nepal.
“I knew I would be mesmerized but this is unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. The Himalayan landscape is breathtaking; the peaks rising high into the sky, regal and magnificent. What a feeling!”
According to Vilborg, many factors must fit into place in order to reach the top.
“Everest is stunningly beautiful and I respect it immensely. In this environment, you are very insignificant—Mother Nature is in charge. The people of Kumba Valley are wonderful and their life philosophy is an inspiration. Brotherly love and generosity is abounding.”
