KOCHI: Mohammad Faiz, a native of Thirur aspires to conquer the 8849-meter high Mount Everest. Having reached the base camp at 5364 meters 11 times, his next challenge is the 6812-meter Ama Dablam peak in Nepal, planned for April followed by Everest.

In April 2021, at 27, Faiz first reached base camp covering 120 km from Lukla, Nepal with Murshid from Malappuram. The trek included 80 km uphill and 40 km downhill taking nine days with a climb to Kala Pathar at 5550 meters.

Trained at the Ministry of Defense's Mountaineering Institute, Faiz, residing in Ernakulam for eight years, now operates a trekking agency in Kashmir. His parents are Moitheenkutty and Suhra.

To embark on the Everest trek, Faiz needs 30 lakhs including a Rs. 9 lakh fee for the Nepal permit, equipment, jackets and boots. Seeking sponsorship, he emphasizes that people of any age group can join the base camp at a cost of Rs. 75,000.

The Everest trek spans four camps from the base, requiring an average of 59 days with Sherpa assistance. Training involves two months of preparatory exercises for the base camp and two years for Everest, including running, push-ups, and breathing exercises. Essential tools like ice hammer, axe and rope ladder are crucial for the challenging ascent.

Faiz highlights the potential dangers, emphasizing the need for patience, a flexible body and precautions against Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Symptoms include red spots on the face and severe

body pain.