Johann Peiris, who partnered Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala on her journey to become the first Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest but fell an agonizing 448m short, is now just days away from the summit of the highest mountain of the world in his second attempt.
The adventurous creative stylist and entrepreneur is a keen hiker, having already scaled the likes of Mt. Kalapatta-Nepal, Island Peak-Nepal, Mt. Kilimanjaro- Tanzania and the mountainous area of Luang Prabang in Laos before partnering Jayanthi on the infamous journey to the Everest where Jayanthi became the first Sri Lankan to summit the mountain.
Read: Ain’t no mountain high enough; Johann’s second attempt to summit Everest
Despite falling short the first time, Johann decided to take on the challenge of scaling the giant again this year having set his mind on finishing what he started. After undergoing a grueling training program to condition himself, Johann left the country on the 4th of April to Everest base camp where he has been completing a series of ‘Rotations’ which involves the hiking to a higher altitudes, resting and then returning which allows the hikers to acclimatize to the high-altitude conditions at the top of the mountain where the oxygen density is critically low.
Having successfully completed the rotations as well as various trainings which need to be completed before the final summit, Johann will be leaving the basecamp on the 19th (May) and is expected to summit the mountain hopefully around the 23rd Morning.
Johann is part of a larger team led by International Mountain Guides (IMG), a globally renowned mountaineering company, with experience in leading several successful Mt. Everest expeditions. The expedition fees include IMG’s logistical support, Sherpa and guide support, all climbing permits, expedition food and accommodation, porterage, communications, oxygen, insurance and helicopter rescue, as well as regular access to the IMG medical clinic at Everest Base Camp.
Johann will be now moving towards the most difficult part of his journey where he needs to make sure that he keeps his focus and moral high before the final push for the top. Unlike last time he will not have the luxury of a companion in Jayanthi who he can share the burden with but the ambitious thrill seeker is confident that he has prepared well for the demands of the great mount Everest.
ThePapare.com wishes Johann all the best in his endeavor to take the Lion Flag to the top of the world yet again and will be looking forward to bringing you all the updates from Johann’s journey to the mountain top.
