MUSCAT: Nadhirah al Harthy, renowned Omani hiker, waved Oman’s national flag from the top of the world’s 8th peak (8,163 metres ASL), Manaslu, in Nepal, after conquering the peak at 6.30 am on Wednesday.
She left Oman on September 7 for a 25-day climbing mission, along with 35 members from different countries, including Europe, the US and Asia and reached the top on Wednesday.
“This is the moment I want to dedicate my achievement to my country, the Sultanate of Oman.This achievement is the result of my efforts supported by my country, family and friends,” Nadhirah told the Observer from Kathmandu after descending from the peak.
Nadhirah, 42, was the first Arab woman and the second Omani to reach the summit of Mount Ama Dablam (6,812 metres), one of the highest Himalayan peaks in the hilly country of Nepal, in May 2019.
The all-female Arab team named the ‘Dream of Everest’ also had Joyce Azzam and Nelly Attar of Lebanon and Mona Shahab of Saudi Arabia, who climbed to the top of the world’s tallest mountain besides her, who were part of the team which climbed the world’s tallest mountain.
Mount Manaslu, nicknamed ‘killer mountain’ by locals, is located in Mansiri Himal, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, and stands above the pine forests of Nepal’s Budhi Gandaki river valley, the mighty Manaslu is.
“Nadhirah is a great dreamer and the perfect connector between Oman and Nepal and between the peoples of both countries. We will always praise her bravery and ambition that can be emulated by the coming generations. I congratulate her,” said Dr Sarmila Parajuli, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate.
Nadhirah started mountaineering in 2017 and never before had she dreamt of conquering a peak. But, after meeting Khalid al Siyabi, the first Omani to climb Everest, during her tenure with the Ministry of Education, she was inspired.
Al Siyabi became her coach. She took arduous lessons in climbing the peaks from him to become the first Omani woman to reach a mountain summit.
As a piece of advice to the younger generation, she said, “Follow your dreams at whatever age you are, as nothing but your own inhibitions can stop you from becoming successful.” – Kabeer Yousuf
