A Passionate Dream Come True！Nine students and teachers from Kaohsiung’s First Institute of Technology Mountaineering Club, including Liu Chin-wei, fellow club members, and teacher Hsu Shih-tung, conquered the 5,360-meter-high Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas after a 13-day trek. Carrying 15-kilogram backpacks, they overcame freezing temperatures and altitude sickness. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, they called the experience unforgettable.
Liu Chin-wei said that due to an avalanche last year that destroyed the route, the path to the summit only reopened in April this year, so they set Everest Base Camp as their goal. In preparation, the team spent six months on acclimatization and physical training, and developed measures to prevent altitude sickness and plans for retreating in case of weather changes — pushing their limits while ensuring safety.
In February this year, the students and teachers were constantly surprised during their climb in the Himalayas. In addition to seeing picturesque mountain views, they also observed unique wildlife such as snow partridges and herds of yak accompanying them. “It was as if they were cheering us on!” The yak can be described as a savior in the bitter cold — not only can they help transport supplies, but their dung can also be used for burning and keeping warm.
He said that along the way, the air was thin, with oxygen levels at only half that of sea level, and temperatures dropping as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, presenting a severe test of physical strength and endurance. He is sensitive to the cold, so he brought three or four thick coats and cooking equipment. When he arrived at the mountain hut, he found that indoor facilities were readily available. “Next time I’ll be smarter and won’t carry 15 kilograms of gear up the mountain again.”
Throughout the entire journey, no one in the First Institute of Technology mountaineering group dropped out, and together they fulfilled their dream. Liu Chin-wei, a junior, said that prior to this he had only climbed 25 mountains in Taiwan, such as Yushan and Snow Mountain. This was his first time climbing a mountain abroad, leaving him with unforgettable memories. Although climbing Everest costs him 70,000 New Taiwan dollars out of his own pocket, he wants to gather a group again before graduation to take his juniors and show them the world.