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Sano Babu and Lakpa Tsheri Sunuwar and SherpaNepalese extreme athletes
Country:
 Nepal |
Content:
- Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa: The Adventurers
- The Dreamers
- The Journey Begins
- A Remarkable Achievement
- Recognition and Beyond
Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa: The Adventurers
Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa, two Nepalese athletes, embarked on an impossible adventure that seemed reckless to most. One had never flown a paraglider or knew how to swim, while the other had never been to the mountains. However, the athletes laughed off any doubts, claiming that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and without risks, it is not truly life.
The Dreamers
As a teenager, Lakpa led groups to Everest, always envious of those who flew paragliders. He believed that true emotions could only be felt while soaring in the air. However, his initial attempts at paragliding ended in failure when he crashed into a tree during his first flight. Disheartened, Lakpa remembered his old friend, Sano, who had good skills with paragliders. Together, they repaired the damaged paraglider and often shared dreams of descending from the highest point on Earth and then kayaking down the turbulent waters of the Ganges.
The Journey Begins
One day, Sano and Lakpa decided to turn their dreams into reality. They borrowed equipment from friends, created a rough plan for their adventure, and set off without delving into the specifics, believing that they would figure things out along the way. Under Lakpa's leadership, they climbed Everest and reached the summit on May 21, 2011. Just an hour later, they began their descent, becoming the third team in the world to attempt such a feat. They also set a world record for the highest altitude flight, freefalling from 8,865 meters. The descent proved to be the most exhilarating experience of their lives. Battling strong winds and freezing temperatures, they struggled to stay on course. Nevertheless, they eventually reached the base of the mountain and, after cycling to their kayaks, embarked on the final leg of their journey.
A Remarkable Achievement
With little food and sporadic help from locals, Sano and Lakpa survived on fruits and nuts they found along the riverbanks. After covering over 850 kilometers on water, they finally reached the Indian Ocean on June 27, 2011. Overnight, these two unknown Nepalese athletes became global stars and the first people in history to accomplish such a journey. What made their achievement even more remarkable was their careful handling of borrowed equipment and their incredibly low budget for the entire trip.
Recognition and Beyond
Sano and Lakpa became national heroes in Nepal and received worldwide recognition from renowned explorers and communities. They accomplished what no other adventurer had dared to do, relying solely on their own abilities without any sponsor support. Although they may not fully comprehend the magnitude of their feat, they now share an unbreakable bond of trust. In 2012, Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa were awarded the prestigious "Adventurers of the Year 2012" by National Geographic.
