I had never climbed a 7,000 meter mountain before. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure I could. But the Baruntse Expedition changed everything. It wasn’t just about reaching the top. It was about learning how strong I really am.
A Mountain I Couldn’t Ignore
Baruntse stands at 7,129 meters (23,389 feet), right between Everest and Makalu in the heart of Nepal. It’s not as famous as Everest, but maybe that’s why it felt more personal. According to the Himalayan Database, only about 40-50 people climb Baruntse each year, compared to thousands on Everest. It felt like I was doing something bold and kind of crazy.
But I needed something bold. Life had felt a little too safe. A little too small. So I said yes.
The Climb: Cold, Tough, and Totally Worth It
We started walking. A lot. Through rain, snow, and yak poop. My legs screamed on day two. On day five, I considered turning back. But something kept me going. Maybe it was the team. Maybe it was the thought of the summit. Or maybe it was because I had already told everyone on Instagram.
As we climbed higher, the air got thinner, and every breath felt like I was trying to suck air through a tiny straw. My nose froze. My toothpaste froze. Even my sense of humor almost froze. But not quite.
One night at camp, I asked our guide, “So, how much farther?” He smiled and said, “Less than Everest.” Touché.
Lessons from the Mountain
Climbing Baruntse taught me three things I’ll never forget:
1. Resilience is built, not born
I wasn’t born tough. I built it with every shaky step, every freezing morning, every meal of lentils and rice. When I thought I had no energy left, I found some anyway.
2. Fear is normal but so is courage
I was scared. Of heights. Of falling. Of failing. But every climber up there was scared too. We just kept going. That’s what courage really looks like: scared people moving forward.
3. You find yourself at your limit
Somewhere above 6,000 meters, it’s just you and your thoughts. No Wi-Fi. No noise. Just your breath, your boots, and the big quiet sky. It’s terrifying—and kind of amazing. I met myself up there. And I was stronger than I thought.
Why Baruntse?
Baruntse is perfect for those who want more than just a climb. It’s hard, yes but also deeply rewarding. It’s less crowded than Everest, more peaceful, and still a serious challenge.
Plus, the views? Out of this world. Literally. You can see Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from the summit. It’s like standing on the roof of the world and yelling, “I did it!” (Not that I yelled. I could barely breathe.)
Final Thoughts: Do It Scared
I didn’t feel ready. I didn’t feel brave. But I went anyway.
That’s the power of the Baruntse Expedition. It’s not just about climbing a mountain. It’s about climbing your mountain the doubts, the fears, the voice that says, “You can’t.”
And proving that voice wrong.
So if you’re thinking about it, do it. Even if you’re scared. Especially if you’re scared.
Because at the top of Baruntse, I didn’t just see the view I saw the person I’d become.
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