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| Abdullah Ahmed Barbhuiya |
Abdullah Ahmed Barbhuiya has made history by remaining the first Assamese to climb the Mt. Annapurna Base Camp solo, without a guide, porter, or supplementary oxygen. Known for posing deadly risks, where 1 out of 3 climbers never return, Mt. Annapurna was found as one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, but this became a challenge for Abdullah that pitted human determination to extreme limits.
The Craving for Adventure
Abdullah has to confess that he has always been an adventurist by instinct. "I always had a craving for adventure that pushes me beyond my physiological limits," he said. Mountaineering, full of risks and thrills, seemed to him the perfect expression of that passion. "Captures me with its adventurous nature. That's how I came up to plan this trek.".
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| First Assamese to climb the Mt. Annapurna Base Camp solo |
This climb usually takes 10-12 days to be accomplished, but Abdullah completed it in just five days. "The sense of accomplishment was immense," he shared, in a tone of deep satisfaction.
Mental and Physical Preparation
It was never a success overnight. "I had done rigorous training for at least 6 months before planning it," Abdullah said. Adding to the emotional attachment, the mental preparedness made this more than just another adventure. "I had always dreamt of doing it for 2 years," he said.
He prepared for two months and traveled with a 20kg backpack. He had to take up grueling physical training to tackle rough conditions. For strengthening stamina and lung capacity, he did exercises that augment levels of VO2 max. Alcohol and cigarettes were prohibited strictly for optimum physical fitness.
Nature Fury
Not a glib path to glory. One of the most difficult moments for this climber was on the morning of the last day of ascent, from 4 am. "I didn't have my gloves on, and it was -10°C. A sort of mountain sickness hit me, but the view in front of me and my inner dreams kept me going," he recounted. This tireless energy forced him through the freezy temperatures and physical discomfort. The final ascent was made two days ahead of schedule, on day three of his trek, and left little time for acclimatization and brought on early signs of frostbite and mountain sickness. Training and preparation, however, saw him through.
Tears welled up in his eyes when he reached the summit. "The accomplishment I felt cannot be written in words. The tears I had at the base camp because of the emotional outburst… my dream had come true."
Inspiring the Next Generation
Though extreme sports in Assam are not yet taken up by many, Abdullah feels it has all its potential to build up. "Presently, not many youngsters are interested in extreme sports from Assam. But it is becoming popular day by day. I think the more they know about this sport, the more they'll try it.".
Abdullah says he believes inspiring other people to push their limits-the limit within them that they can do more, not only in mountaineering but in life generally. "The hard work you do before achieving something won't go to waste. Don't feel afraid to dream big. Dare to dream, work for your dream."
Looking Ahead
Currently based at Guwahati and studying MBBS from Guwahati Medical College, Abdullah is a third-year student and definitely nothing to slow down. "Yeah, I have plans to do Summit runs and above 6000-meter mountains solo as well. In the coming times, I'll surely do many 8000-meter expeditions.".
It is a journey by an incredible asset for achievement on behalf of the individual and a momentous one for the mountaineering community of Assam. As Abdullah Ahmed Barbhuiya continues to scale new heights, he sets out as an example to those who dare to dream and work relentlessly toward their goals.
