Reaching New Heights

At the end of September 2022, Mits Nakamura, managing director of Hotstart Europe and Asia Pacific, embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. Mits and a friend traveled to Nepal to participate in a climb to the base camp of Mt. Everest. Previously, Mits had climbed Mt. Fuji in Japan with his wife Emi, a personal achievement that had been on his bucket list. Mt. Everest was another bucket list item – trekking to the base camp of Everest which sits at 5,400 meters/ 18,000 feet in altitude.

Mits had planned to do the climb in 2020 but had to postpone due to the global coronavirus pandemic. In February 2022, Mits and his friend decided now was the time. “Four months prior to the challenge, my partner and I started climbing training every Saturday morning, just a long-distance walk or a hike to local mountains,” Mits recounted. “We took a very easy training path since the goal was not to get injured before our departure. Two months prior to the EBC trip, I was doing an early morning walk daily (5am-ish) wearing a 10kg weighted bag. Mentally, I tried not to read too many negative articles about the avalanche accidents in Nepal which happened before our trip.” On Sept 29th, they left Germany and traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal to meet up with the Sherpa that would be their guide. On Oct 1st they started the eight days climb to reach base camp.

“I first felt breathless when I reached over 3,400m (11,100ft). It was Day 3. My lungs never felt full no matter how hard I tried to suck the air. I also got a slight headache, which according to our Sherpa, was a sign of altitude sickness and my body trying to adjust to the obstacle. 

The higher the altitude, the more difficult it is to maintain sufficient blood oxygenation as Mits experienced first-hand.

Lucky, the following morning my headache and breathless feeling were gone. Day 4 was a rest day for acclimatization, and I was feeling normal and breathing fine. But, I saw several people struggling at this stage also. I felt I was fortunate that my body allowed me to continue this EBC challenge. After 4,500m (14,800ft) point, the breathlessness and tiredness become almost normal. One step forward, one deep breath, and just walk slow. Just “keep going, keep going” is what I was telling myself all the time. I could not think of anything else although I had hoped to enjoy pondering over things and my “lonely” time.”   

“On Oct 8th around noon we reached the highest point trekkers allowed to enter. All the mountains and scenery I saw were above and beyond imagination. I was in such awe of the spectacular view; I was simply overwhelmed by the nature. The gorgeous mountain views and scenery were above and beyond my expectations. I will never forget them and I’m proud I can tell people I saw them with my own eyes.”

"The gorgeous mountain views and scenery were above and beyond my expectations. I will never forget them and I’m proud I can tell people I saw them with my own eyes."

Mits’ trek encountered other challenges. When it was time for the group to descend the mountain, a windstorm threatened the base camp, endangering their departure. Sudden weather changes are common on Everest, but October is considered one of the safest months for an ascent. “We got stuck a total of 4 days on the mountain due to bad weather. The most significant moment of the trip was when our rescue helicopter showed up in front of us. It was like a movie. Of course, I won’t forget the moment of my goal accomplished by reaching EBC and the greater appreciation for my life and the environment that came from the experience. But, immediately after, I felt I wanted to get home safe.”

Now that Mits is back in Germany with his family, the experience on Everest is one he looks back on with great appreciation. “I’ve been so satisfied by this EBC challenge. Emi and I always liked hiking although we have not done much since our kids were born. The Mt. Fuji experience gave me a motivation to do Mt. Everest for sure, but it’s almost two different types of sports. Mt. Fuji is a 100m sprint, day trip climbing, but EBC is like a marathon which requires two weeks trekking. You need to have a good preparation. On the other hand, I say beginners can challenge EBC with a good plan. Lots of local support is available too. The Nepalese were very friendly and kind.”          

“I am purely thankful that Hotstart allowed me to take such an opportunity and supported everything during my absence. And since I did my own thing selfishly for two weeks, I should give my wife a good break before taking on any new challenges!”

Mits after his successful climb to the base camp of Mt. Everest.

For Mits, reaching base camp was just as satisfying as reaching the summit.