Xinhua News AgencyTibetYangbajing, May 2 (Sports) (Reporters Lai Yuchen & Li Peng) "Our coaches are amazing ! Just amazing ! This is the first time in my life I've asked someone for an autograph !" Hu Jianzhong, a mountaineering enthusiast from Shandong, is participating in the 10th China Tibet Mountaineering Conference in Yangbajing. When talking about the conference's "luxurious" coaching team, the 55-year-old man is acting like a little "fan."
The Tibet Mountaineering Conference is a major event in China's amateur mountaineering community and serves as a gateway for many enthusiasts to explore the snowy mountains and ascend peaks at 7,000 and 8,000 meters. This year’s conference runs from April 28 to May 6, with participants set to climb Qizhi Peak at 6,206 meters and Tanglha A'nyê Peak at 6,330 meters.
According to Wang Jia, head of the conference coaching team, out of the 26 coaches serving this event, 24 have summited Mount Everest, with one having reached the summit eight times. The coaches’ expertise earns admiration from the participants, but their humility and warmth leave an even deeper impression.
Tenzing Dorje, Pema Tashi, and Lhakpa are the first—and only—team in human history to have successfully summited all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in the world. They are regarded as heroes by countless mountaineering enthusiasts.
During a technical gear session on May 1, some participants were pleasantly surprised to find that the person carefully adjusting their equipment was none other than Pema Tashi ! Or Lhakpa !
"There are thousands of Olympic champions and presidents in the world, but fewer than 30 people have summited 14 peaks above 8,000 meters," Hu Jianzhong said excitedly when talking about the coaches. "Last year when I was climbing in Nepal, my coach had summited Everest—I thought that was already incredible. But I never expected to meet so many heroes here in Tibet all at once. They’re so humble too. This trip has been absolutely worth it !"
Having legendary mountaineers coach beginners might sound like having university professors teach elementary school students, but the coaches don’t feel the least bit put out.
"Adjusting gear is just what we should do, because we’re professionals and they’re amateurs. They love our sport, and that touches us. So we’re more than happy to help," said Pema Tashi.
During the conference, the organizers also arranged a special exchange session where the mountaineering heroes answered questions from participants.
"They’re incredibly kind and very willing to communicate with us," Guo Ming, a participant from Beijing, told reporters. "They don’t treat you differently based on how many mountains you’ve climbed or whether you’re a beginner or amateur. They take every question seriously, responsibly, and explain things in detail."
Hu Jianzhong, Guo Ming, and other enthusiastic participants may not realize that their presence and eagerness to learn also bring genuine joy to these mountaineering heroes.
Pema Tashi told reporters that due to health issues in recent years, he mostly stayed at home feeling "cooped up." Being able to attend the mountaineering conference and return to the mountains has lifted his spirits. Even more heartening to him is the growing popularity of mountaineering.
"In the past, mountaineering wasn’t like other competitive sports. It’s a rather lonely pursuit," Pema Tashi said, his words heavy with meaning—perhaps only he and his companions truly understand. "But now that our country is stronger, many mountaineering enthusiasts from inland areas come to get close to the snow mountains and nature. We’re very happy about that."
Pema Tashi said that Tibet has so many high mountains, each unique. He himself can no longer climb them all, but being able to serve other climbers—even just as support staff—brings him happiness.