Former Vietnamese journalist conquers the world's two highest peaks

Nguyen Manh Duy raises the national flag high on Mount Everest - Photo: NVCC

Over the past 30 years, hundreds of people around the world have conquered Mount Everest, including a number of Vietnamese climbers. Nguyen Manh Duy's successful conquest of Everest and Lhotse - the world's fourth highest mountain - in less than 48 hours is a rare event.

Feeling like being reborn after crossing the threshold of death

“I feel like I have been reborn.” That is the feeling that Nguyen Manh Duy (40 years old) had after a 40-day journey facing dangers and challenges in the Himalayas. The journey in which he conquered Mount Everest (May 11) and then Mount Lhotse (May 13) in less than 48 hours.

The road to Everest is full of challenges. Every step is a confrontation with sharp rocks, landslide-prone cliffs, skin-chilling ice and snow, and sudden gusts of wind.

“There were times when I was so tired that I no longer felt who I was. Every step became a battle. Sometimes, I could only move one step in a minute. But I still kept my lips tightly closed and kept going, because I understood that what leads us to the destination is not only physical strength, but also will and mental strength,” he shared.

Amidst the majestic and harsh nature, Duy clearly felt the smallness of human beings. From then on, he felt very lucky to be alive, to be able to feel the world around him and to have the opportunity to return.

“After the trip, I felt like I was reborn, a different person: calmer, more thoughtful and more appreciative of the simple things in life,” he shared.

Not coming to mountain climbing to set records or seek fame, nor with the mindset of a professional athlete, he entered the journey with a light and free spirit. Perhaps it was that carefreeness that helped him receive more than he expected.

The moment he set foot on the mountain top, the first thing Duy thought of was to take out the red flag with a yellow star to take a picture with that sacred image.

On top of Everest, the weather was quite favorable, he had about 15 minutes to raise the national flag.

In Lhotse, the wind was gusting at 50-60km/h, leaving him with only enough time to hug the flag and hold onto the symbol of the Fatherland.

The former journalist of Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper shared: “It is a great pride to raise the Vietnamese flag high on the roof of the world. Because until now, there are still very few Vietnamese people who can do that.”

Through this journey, he also wants to prove that the Vietnamese physique is not inferior to anyone. And conquering Mount Everest is not impossible. The important thing is to have a clear plan, thorough preparation and a strong enough will not to give up halfway.

Manh Duy (red shirt) and his companion Temba Bhote on the way to conquer the "roof of the world" - Photo: NVCC

Plan step by step to conquer Mount Everest

Mr. Duy has had a special relationship with the Himalayas for more than 10 years. Frequent trips back and forth here have made his passion for conquering the majestic mountain ranges grow stronger.

In April 2023, he first conquered Mera Peak, 6,476m high. Immediately after that, he set a goal of standing on the top of Everest within two years. In the end, he not only achieved his goal but also exceeded his expectations when he continued to conquer Lhotse.

To achieve that success, he prepared carefully in terms of finance, physical strength, endurance and stamina. Along with that, he also received support from the Adventure 14 Summit mountaineering company and his companion Temba Bhote (nicknamed "Himalayan Sherpa") who has successfully conquered Mount Everest more than 10 times.

To adapt to the harsh environment at altitudes with almost no oxygen, Duy has built a scientific training route. Every year, he tries his hand at a higher peak. Some years, he goes on two trips to increase his adaptability. As for Everest, he has had four familiarization trips before officially climbing the peak.

"You can't be hasty when climbing mountains. To reach Everest, I have to pass the 6,000m, 7,000m, and then 8,000m milestones. Each peak is a step for me to practice and adapt," he said.

During that challenging journey, his family was an indispensable spiritual support. During the final stages of conquering Everest, his wife and relatives were suffocatingly worried. But they were also the biggest motivation for him to decide to continue climbing Lhotse, even though he had originally planned to stop after Everest.

After returning from more than 40 days in Nepal, Duy spent time resting, recovering and spending time with his family. Next, he began planning a project to share his experiences of mountain climbing, culture and spiritual life in the Himalayas.

Nguyen Manh Duy

I don't recommend anyone to climb Everest. It's a tough sport and there are many risks. I'm just telling you my journey. If someone sympathizes, they will find their own way.

For those who are determined to conquer Everest, he advised that if you have a dream, let it be big enough. The important thing is to build a specific, detailed plan to gradually turn the dream into reality.

Previously, in September 2024, he conquered Manaslu peak (8,163m), becoming the first Vietnamese person to reach this rugged peak. To date, he has conquered 3 out of the 14 highest peaks on the planet, a proud achievement for Vietnamese people on the world mountaineering map.

Graduated from the Academy of Journalism and Communication (Hanoi), Nguyen Manh Duy worked as a journalist from 2006 to 2015. The turning point came in 2014, when he first set foot in the Himalayas. Since then, his love for this land has grown, urging him to learn more about the culture and spiritual life here.

Currently, he is developing a chain of "Tibetan Cultural Houses" in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This is a space to display cultural items typical of the Himalayan region, helping people find peace and balance in their spiritual life. In addition, he also organizes pilgrimages, cultural and healing tours to Nepal, Tibet, Northern India and Bhutan.

BRIGHT NEEDLE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cuu-nha-bao-viet-chinh-phuc-2-dinh-nui-cao-nhat-the-gioi-20250517041602626.htm