Staying Related within the Himalayas

Mateusz Waligóra is a specialist in high-performance expeditions to the world’s most desolate places, together with biking by way of the world’s largest mountain vary, braving the Gobi Desert, and snowboarding the world over’s largest island.

Most lately, Mateusz stood proudly atop Mount Everest, having efficiently accomplished his Himalayan triathlon (biking, mountain climbing, climbing) after 63 days. On this dialog with Iridium, Mateusz shares particulars of the battles and triumphs of his most up-to-date #IridiumConnected expedition.

 

Congratulations in your profitable expedition to the highest of Mount Everest! You probably did this in a novel method, too. Are you able to share extra?

Thanks! Oh sure, it was a novel journey. I climbed Mount Everest from the Indian Ocean, so I began the hike at 0 meters above sea degree. First, I cycled over 1,200 kilometers, then, on the level the place the highway ended, I began marching by way of the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp, after which climbed to the highest—all solely by human energy.

 

That’s fairly the feat! How did you put together to your Himalayan triathlon?

I’m fairly an skilled adventurer, so I understand how essential particulars are within the starting stage. Tremendous-tuning the logistics of the complete expedition was a demanding job. Thankfully, the expertise paid off and every thing I had management over went in keeping with plan.

 

We’re positive this wasn’t straightforward. What had been among the psychological and bodily challenges you endured?

Most likely essentially the most troublesome second of the expedition was a highway accident throughout which I collided with a bike. I don’t bear in mind a lot as a result of in the intervening time of affect I misplaced consciousness for a couple of minutes. From the account of Jakub – my pal who accompanied me on this a part of expedition – I do know that it’s a miracle that I’m alive. It ended with abrasions, bruises, and a broken bike, which, because of the assistance of automobile mechanics, we managed to restore on the identical day. Your complete expedition was a really, very mentally demanding enterprise. Nevertheless, I’ve expertise from many solo expeditions to deserts – I managed it.

 

We are able to think about it was additionally troublesome to resolve what to pack to maintain your load as mild as doable. Are you able to inform us extra in regards to the important objects you packed?

An important factor was the minimal quantity of apparatus to maneuver effectively and a dependable bike. I selected the Koga World Traveler mannequin, assembled in accordance with my expectations. Within the mountains, the load of the tools was essential, so I selected confirmed supplies from which my tools was made, comparable to Dyneema (the world’s strongest fiber) or goose down (the best light-weight insulator). The topmost essential items of apparatus? POC sun shades, Meindl sneakers and, after all, Iridium gadgets.

 

For earlier expeditions, you relied on the Iridium GO!®, and for this expedition you introduced the Iridium GO! exec®. Are you able to share extra about why you selected this machine for this expedition and the way you used it?

I’m an expert storyteller. That’s my job, so telling the story of the expedition in nearly actual time in the very best high quality was crucial to me. In fact, I admire the elevated knowledge switch velocity within the new Iridium GO! exec, however what is especially useful to me is the a lot better high quality of transferred photographs. The choice of utilizing purposes that I additionally use every day, particularly WhatsApp, can also be essential. All this allowed me to report on the expedition in a fascinating and fascinating method for readers on social media and to keep up fixed contact with the press and tv.

 

This was one of many few “inexperienced expeditions” to Everest in historical past. Are you able to inform us extra about that?

From the start, I assumed that my expedition wouldn’t use any technique of transport that may produce a carbon footprint. Using helicopters is changing into an increasing number of fashionable within the Khumbu area (aka Everest), which is on the Nepalese aspect of Mount Everest. You may fly them not solely to the bottom and better camps, but in addition fly decrease to Namche Bazaar, Lukla or Kathmandu to regenerate. Fancy some chilly wine and (sadly chilly) pizza from Kathmandu? No drawback: you might be solely restricted by your funds and creativeness. That is loopy, and for positive it isn’t mountaineering anymore. I didn’t comply with this, I needed to face on the highest within the purest method doable: with the ability of my very own muscle mass and amassing all my rubbish. I would love this to be customary.

 

You’ve been an excellent advocate for ecology and the necessity for recycling. Are you able to please share extra about how these efforts had been connected to your expedition?

The title sponsor of the expedition was Asekol, an organization dealing in digital waste recycling. Collectively, we seen that individuals in Poland are sometimes outraged by the rubbish on Everest, whereas they usually lack motivation to maintain their fast environment clear. Everest was subsequently the start line to encourage folks to take care of the pure setting in a catchy and engaging method, particularly to return digital waste to assortment and recycling factors. The expedition was very fashionable, and in Poland alone it reached over 18 million folks (that’s half of our inhabitants), so I consider that we managed to attain our objective.

 

What’s subsequent for you? Do you will have any future expeditions within the pipeline?

For me, the expedition to Everest from the ocean degree was a part of a childhood dream of reaching the three excessive factors on Earth by muscle energy: the North Pole, the South Pole and Everest. In 2023, after 58 days of snowboarding alone from the Antarctic coast, I reached the South Pole. Earlier than me, subsequently, is the North Pole, which within the present geo-political and climatic state of affairs appears to be unreachable. However what would life be with out goals? Making ready for this expedition, I want to return to the Gobi Desert, which I used to be the primary particular person to cross on foot alone in 2018. This time I want to trip a motorcycle – in the midst of the Mongolian winter. Are you coming with me?

 

Observe Mateusz Waligóra on Social Media:
Instagram: @mateusz_waligora_explorer | Fb: Mateusz Waligóra