Climbing Everest: A Spiritual Summit and a Guide’s Journey to the Top of the World

8 Jun 2025 Bodhi Adventures

By Man Raj Gurung – Mountain Guide, Buddhist Scholar, and Founder of Bodhi Adventures

Namaste! I’m Man Raj Gurung from Rainas Municipality, Lamjung, Nepal. My journey to the top of the world—Mount Everest—has been one of deep personal transformation, spiritual connection, and professional growth. Today, I want to share my recent summit of Everest in Spring 2025, not just as an achievement, but as a step toward something bigger: promoting Himalayan mountaineering education and spiritual adventure tourism in Nepal.

From Guide to International Mountain Guide

My story began in the early 2000s, when I joined Ker and Downey Nepal after completing my Master’s exams. Curious about the spiritual interest of our foreign guests, I pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies at Tribhuvan University, followed by a Master’s in Buddhism and Himalayan Studies from Lumbini University.

In 2017, I founded Bodhi Adventures, combining trekking, tours, and climbing—guided not only by mountains but by meaning. Our aim: offer journeys of physical challenge and inner awakening.

The Everest Dream: Years in the Making

Like many guides born in the shadows of the Himalayas, Everest had always been a distant dream—visible, but unreachable due to the high cost of a self-funded expedition. That changed after I completed my International Mountain Guide Certification Course in February 2025.

Thanks to an opportunity with TAG Nepal and their “Climbing the Seven Summits” program, I joined their Everest Spring Expedition as a mountain guide. Our journey began on April 1.

Before the main climb, we summited Lobuche Peak for acclimatization—a crucial step in building trust, strength, and mental readiness.

The Ascent: A Journey of Body, Mind, and Spirit

We waited patiently at Camp II after the rope-fixing team completed their job around May 9. The weather window finally opened for May 15. That morning, at 8:00 AM, I stood atop the highest point on Earth—Mount Everest (8,848.86m).

As I climbed, I wasn’t just thinking of the summit. I felt something deeper. Everest, to me, is not only the abode of the Wind Goddess—it feels like the dwelling of all goddesses. The emotion was intense. Two years ago, I lost both of my parents. Standing there, surrounded by beauty and silence, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was my mother’s spirit there, too?

A True Test of Strength—No Supplemental Oxygen

This was not an ordinary summit for me. I attempted it without supplemental oxygen—a bold and rare move, especially on a first ascent. Many Sherpas expressed concern, but I trusted my body, my training, and my company.

I slept at the South Col (Camp IV) without oxygen, which left many surprised. At one point, I felt mildly ill, and Sherpa Pasang Dilingji generously offered me a spare cylinder—his support, and the spirit of the team, made a huge difference.

The Challenges: Cold, Wind, and Dehydration

Mountaineering is never without risk. Even the most experienced climbers face dehydration, fatigue, and uncertainty. The hardest part? Drinking enough water. Melted snow lacks minerals, and your body resists hydration at altitude. But without it, your strength fades fast.

We carried minimal loads (25–30kg), covered 50–60km on foot, and always prioritized health and safety. Summit pushes start in the night, when winds are lower. We left South Col at 8 PM and reached the summit the next morning.

Food, Fuel, and Focus

From an international chef at Base Camp to self-cooked noodles at high camps, food was fuel. As a vegetarian, I relied on dal bhat, cereals, energy gels, and high-altitude food packs. I lost about 10kg during the expedition, but gained experience worth a lifetime.

One of my clients turned back from Camp II, but they trusted me to continue guiding the team. That trust fuels our work at Bodhi Adventures.

Everest Is Possible – But Not Easy

Many believe Everest is only for the elite or extreme athletes. But the truth is, with the right preparation, you can do it. Even people with disabilities have summited Everest—supported by experienced Sherpas and careful planning.

Still, Everest is never 100% safe. I saw a preserved body frozen near Hillary Step. In that moment, I was reminded again: This mountain demands respect.

Advice for Future Climbers

Health is everything – Build your immune system well before the climb.
Invest in quality gear – Warmth and safety are non-negotiable.
Don’t cut costs – Cheap expeditions often sacrifice support and success.
Hydrate and eat – Even when your body resists, fuel it well.
Trust your guide – Your life depends on their decisions.

Beyond Everest: A Vision for Nepal’s Future

For me, Everest is not the end—it’s the beginning. Nepal has over 800 km of Himalayan range, and yet we lag behind our neighbors in mountaineering education and infrastructure.

I dream of introducing mountaineering as an optional subject in schools, creating structured programs that build a generation of skilled guides, climbers, and sustainable tourism entrepreneurs.

We must act now. Climate change is real, and so is the opportunity. By investing in the Himalayas and our people, we can shape Nepal’s future.

Join the Journey

At Bodhi Adventures, we believe every step in the mountains can also be a step inward. Whether you’re trekking through ancient Buddhist trails or aiming for Himalayan summits, we’re here to guide you—with knowledge, care, and soul.

If Everest is calling you, prepare not just your body, but your heart.

– Man Raj Gurung
International Mountain Guide
Founder, Bodhi Adventures