Cambodian Flag Flies High on the Himalayas
After 20 years of adventure, Choun Phirom has finally accomplished his lifelong goal of tackling Mount Everest. Photo provided
- By Heng Sreylin
- April 22, 2023 3:00 PM
PHNOM PENH – After 20 years of adventure, Choun Phirom has finally accomplished his lifelong goal of tackling Mount Everest.
Phirom, 43, spent 11 days to reach the Everest Base Camp, covering 120km and reaching an altitude of 5,364 meters.
The Himalayas are approximately 2,400 kilometers long and stretch across parts of India, Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bhutan.
They are home to the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest, which stands at 8,849 meters above sea level.
On April 14, at 3.30 pm, Phirom and his friend from Malaysia arrived at Base Camp, carrying the Cambodian flag and photographs they had taken along the way.
He tried to scale the mountain to show that Cambodians are capable of accomplishing difficult tasks and reaching that point while carrying the Cambodian flag to show people in that region.
One of his goals was to scale part of the mountain. Even though he was unable to reach the summit, he experienced some difficulties on his journey, the most significant of which was altitude sickness brought on by the decreased availability of oxygen at higher altitudes.
Base Camp was his first step before an attempt on the peak which required more experience as well and money.
Temperatures on the mountain from -10 to -30C and climbers need guides. Altitude sickness worried him most and he needed to buy insurance in case of emergencies.
He said that if he didn’t prepare properly, it could affect his life. He had prepared thick clothes, gloves and socks to protect himself from the cold.
He said Everest is breathtaking and from its vantage point, you can see a number of other significant mountains and many climbers.
Phirum urged mountaineering enthusiasts in Cambodia to advance their skills. Those interested in exchanging experiences were welcome to come and try mountaineering abroad, such as on a trip to Everest.
Originally written in Khmer for Thmey Thmey, this story was translated by Te Chhaysinh for Cambodianess.
