
Simple but Complex – Episode - 4
From grief to glory: The inspiring journey of Dr.Priya – Concluding Part
In 2024, she reached Everest Base Camp, one of the world's most renowned
trekking destinations. Everest Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 5,364
metres in Nepal's Khumbu region. From there, she went on to climb Lobuche East,
a 6,119-metre peak. The journey to Lobuche East was far more demanding than the
trek to the base camp. It required the use of crampons, harnesses, ropes, and
ice axes.
In the autumn of 2025, Priya successfully climbed the 8,163-metre Manaslu,
the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Located in Nepal's Mansiri Himal
range, Manaslu is widely known as the "Killer Mountain" because of
its unpredictable weather and constant risk of avalanches. These challenging
expeditions became the perfect preparation for her ultimate goal—Mount Everest.
Within seven months of climbing Manaslu, she stood on the summit of the world's
highest mountain.
Although it may sound like a straightforward achievement, the effort behind
it was anything but easy. Chennai offers virtually no facilities for
mountaineering training. With no hills or mountains and a landscape barely six
metres above sea level, preparing for high-altitude climbing while balancing
professional responsibilities was an enormous challenge. Priya firmly believed
that where there is a will, there is a way.
A fitness enthusiast who has always led a healthy lifestyle, she drew
strength from her passion, determination, and unwavering focus on her goal. Her
trainer, Dr. Sugapradeep, a combat fitness trainer and conditioning specialist,
designed a structured six-month training programme that she followed with
complete discipline over four years. Her training began by repeatedly climbing
the stairs of her house, running on inclined boards, and using hospital ramps.
Marina Beach and the city's roads also became part of her unconventional
training ground.
Reaching the summit of one's greatest ambition is undoubtedly a triumph.
Yet, for Priya, the journey to Everest was also a close encounter with death.
She had to endure countless physical challenges and even greater mental and
emotional struggles. The greatest obstacle was the uncertainty of the weather.
After reaching Everest Base Camp on 17 April, she was forced to wait for
forty-five long days because of unfavourable weather conditions. The prolonged
uncertainty caused immense mental stress and moments of deep despair. At high
altitudes, when oxygen levels drop, climbers can become confused or even
delirious. Combined with the anxiety of an uncertain future, the psychological
burden becomes overwhelming.
During those difficult days, many questions repeatedly surfaced in her mind.
Although she knew the answer, she often wondered why a doctor enjoying a
fulfilling profession and a comfortable life had chosen to undergo such
hardship. She questioned why she had come there at all, and the thought of
returning home became increasingly strong. Throughout this emotional struggle,
it was the encouragement of her fellow climbers and her love for music that
kept her spirits alive.
The expedition had to move between camps several times. Even after reaching
higher camps, the team was repeatedly forced to retreat because of worsening
weather. Strong winds frequently tore away tents, making life in the camps even
more difficult.
One of the most dangerous sections of the climb was the Khumbu Icefall,
located at an altitude of about 5,486 metres. It was there that Priya narrowly
escaped with minor injuries when avalanches crashed down from above. Her
survival was largely due to the lightning-fast response of her guide, Anurup
Gurung, who was making his seventh ascent of Everest. Philosophy may tell us
that life extends beyond every avalanche and every setback, but in those
terrifying moments, survival itself became the only reality.
The members of the expedition kept encouraging one another, saying, "We
have come this far; let us give our very best to reach the summit." Priya
was part of the Elite Exped team led by the legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
Priya believes that age should never become a barrier to dreaming or
achieving one's goals. When asked about her next destination, she smiles and
says that her heart is still with Everest and that she longs to return there
once again. According to her, growing older also means becoming wiser, more
experienced, and more determined.
Those who seek a simple life should certainly continue to do so. But those
who find meaning in adventure may discover fresh inspiration in Priya's
remarkable journey. Her story reminds us that the greatest mountains are first
conquered in the mind, long before they are climbed in the real world.(
Concluded)




