Climbers flocked to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, this year, causing severe traffic jams on the mountain paths. Combined with harsh weather conditions, this led to 11 deaths and a series of tragic incidents. Zhang Yuanshi, a 30-year-old mountaineer, said in an interview today that Everest's fame attracts many inexperienced climbers eager to take on the challenge. When faced with extreme weather, fatalities can easily occur. He therefore advises those who love mountaineering to prepare thoroughly in advance and avoid blindly attempting peaks beyond their limits—doing so can harm both themselves and others.
Zhang Yuanshi, 30, and Lu Zhonghan (nickname Guoguo), 35, successfully conquered the world’s fifth-highest peak, Makalu (8,485m), located in Nepal, just on May 15 this month. They are now scheduled to depart for Italy on June 14 to attempt K2, the world’s second-highest peak at 8,611m. No one from Taiwan has ever reached its summit before, and the duo has the chance to set a new record.
Zhang Yuanshi and Lu Zhonghan were senior and junior classmates in high school. Lu is currently the only climber in Taiwan to have reached the summits of five peaks over 8,000 meters “without supplemental oxygen,” including Gasherbrum II (2013), Broad Peak (2014), Manaslu (2017), Nanga Parbat (2018), and Makalu this year. He has extensive mountaineering experience.
Regarding the recent tragic deaths on Everest, Zhang Yuanshi believes that overcrowding introduces many uncertainties, but experienced mountaineers know how to navigate around congested routes and even avoid potential avalanches or accidents. The key lies in experience and sound judgment.
Lu Zhonghan added that every year, many people want to challenge the world’s highest peak, Everest, without considering whether they actually have the capability. He urges everyone who wishes to push their limits to first assess their abilities and make adequate preparations—avoid acting on impulse and making irreversible mistakes.