'Thanks for the love and care showered upon me'; Hassan speaks to Kerala Kaumudi, to return home after a week

PATHANAMTHITTA: Pandalam native Shaikh Hassan Khan, who was stranded for two days on Denali — the highest peak in North America — during a mountaineering expedition, has been safely rescued. Speaking to Kerala Kaumudi from Anchorage, Alaska, where he is currently recuperating, Hassan expressed his immense relief. He is expected to return to Kerala within a week.

Hassan, along with Tamil Nadu native Muthamil Selvi Narayanan, successfully summited the 20,310-foot Denali and hoisted the Indian national flag. The duo's triumph turned harrowing during the descent, as they were caught in a severe snowstorm upon reaching the fifth camp. Selvi began experiencing physical difficulties, and with their food supplies exhausted and dehydration setting in, the pair found themselves in grave danger.

Typically, rescue operations do not extend to the fifth camp, with assistance available only from the fourth camp downward. Hassan’s repeated attempts to contact family members using a satellite phone proved futile. He eventually managed to reach out to journalist Hashmi Taj Ibrahim, who relayed the distress message to the Indian embassy through state and central government officials.

Despite being physically drained, Hassan managed a gruelling 18-hour trek down to the fourth camp, where rescuers finally reached them. He was brought to the base camp on June 20. The entire expedition — climb and descent — spanned 18 days. Hassan endured severe blisters on his feet, having worn his shoes continuously throughout the mission, but escaped without major injuries.

This was Hassan’s second attempt to scale Denali, the first having taken place in June 2023. This time, he undertook the mission as a tribute to Indian soldiers who countered the Pahalgam terror attack, unfurling a banner alongside the national flag atop the peak. The journey involved carrying nearly

50 kilograms of equipment, adding to the physical challenge. Selvi, his co-climber, also battled additional strain due to menstrual discomfort during the expedition.

Hassan Khan works as an Assistant Section Officer at the Secretariat. He is married to Khadeeja Rani, and the couple has a daughter, Jahanara.