Throughout human history, only about 10,000 people have reached the summit of Mount Everest. One of them is Sauraj Jhingan. After multiple failed attempts, he finally conquered the world’s highest peak in 2018. In this exclusive interview, he shares his extraordinary journey to the top of the world.
Where does your love for the mountains come from?
My father served in the army for 35 years and always emphasized physical activity in our family. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I enrolled in the basic mountaineering course at the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, founded in 1964. It was during this time that I fell in love with the Himalayas. Education was a top priority in my family, so I earned an MBA in Human Resources and a second master’s degree in labor law. My career was supposed to follow a conventional path. After graduation, I landed a job at a multinational bank in Mumbai. Then, suddenly, I made the decision to quit and follow my passion for mountaineering. My family was shocked. In India, it’s rare for someone to leave a well-paying corporate job for an unconventional career like mountaineering. I partnered with my friend Samir Patham to co-found Adventure Pulse, an outdoor company that helps both seasoned professionals and newcomers discover their love for the mountains.
What essential skills are required for mountaineering?
Trekking and mountaineering are incredible sports, but I believe that mental strength and resilience matter far more than physical fitness. This may come as a surprise, but it’s true—climbing pushes you far beyond your comfort zone, and not everyone can handle that. For most people, the thought of walking from dawn until dusk for days, sleeping in tents, eating simple food, and being cut off from the world doesn’t sound appealing. To many, it feels more like punishment than a sport, and they give up before they even begin.
How did you train for Everest?
Training for Everest requires years of dedicated effort. The first phase was gaining experience in high-altitude trekking and mountaineering. It’s similar to running—before you can complete a marathon, you start with shorter distances and gradually build up. The same applies to mountaineering; you begin with 5,000-meter peaks, then 6,000 meters, then 7,000 meters. The second phase is the immediate preparation for the climb, which involves six to eight months of intense training with hours of daily cardio and strength exercises.
What kind of gear does an Everest climber need?
Having high-quality mountaineering equipment is crucial, but knowing how to use it is just as important. First, you need climbing gear like ropes, harnesses, helmets, ice axes, ladders, and carabiners. Then, you need camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies. Specialized clothing is essential—down suits, gloves, mountaineering boots, and face masks are all necessary for survival. You also need a well-stocked medical kit, and, most critically, supplemental oxygen tanks for the Death Zone, plus extra in case of emergency.
What are the most dangerous parts of climbing Everest, and how to handle them?
Everest has several treacherous sections. The Khumbu Icefall, a constantly shifting glacier between Base Camp and Camp 1 on the south side, is one of the most dangerous. It is full of deep crevasses and unstable ice towers that can collapse without warning. Then, there’s the Death Zone—above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), where oxygen levels are critically low. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe altitude sickness, brain and lung edema, and an increased risk of death. Most climbers rely on supplemental oxygen to mitigate these dangers, but even with this aid, the risks remain high. Avalanches are another constant threat at various points on the mountain, capable of striking at any time and claiming lives.
Were there moments when you doubted your decision to climb Everest? How did you overcome your fears?
It took us three separate attempts before we finally reached the summit. We started planning our Everest climb in 2013 and aimed to summit in 2015, but nature had other plans. On April 25, 2015, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, triggering an avalanche that came roaring down from the glacier above. It tore through the expedition camps, leaving a trail of destruction. It was chaos—at first, we had no idea what had hit us. The sound was deafening, like an explosion. When we finally emerged from the wreckage, we were in shock. We later learned that several people had died that day. That experience changed everything. Our confidence was shaken, and our families were deeply worried about our safety—rightly so. We attempted another expedition in 2017, but had to turn back just 800 meters from the summit due to strong winds. Everest expeditions can cost around $60,000, so we had spent years raising funds for these attempts.
In 2018, you finally reached the summit. How did it feel?
Reaching the summit was an indescribable feeling. The sheer magnificence of nature is humbling, especially at such an altitude, where so few have ever stood. There was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment—every step was proof of our resilience. As I stood at the top, I was filled with immense gratitude.
How long does it take to descend from Everest?
On average, a full Everest expedition—acclimatization rounds, setting up Base Camp, and the final summit push—takes 50 to 60 days. But the total time on the mountain is often longer, as climbers have to wait for the right weather conditions. Acclimatization is a slow and essential process, allowing the body to adjust to reduced oxygen levels. Reaching the summit is only half the battle. The descent can be even more dangerous because by that point, climbers are physically and mentally exhausted. Most accidents happen during the descent due to fatigue, lack of oxygen, and bad weather. A small misstep can be fatal. This is why the Everest climb can take two months or longer.
Beyond Everest, which other mountains have you climbed? What are your future expedition plans?
We’ve summited Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus in Russia; Africa’s highest, Kilimanjaro; and the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc. In 2022, we were among the few climbers to summit Ama Dablam in Nepal. At Adventure Pulse, we are proud that our clients range from seven to 72 years old! Our goal is to help people of all backgrounds discover their passion for the mountains and experience the beauty of climbing.
