Staying Related within the Himalayas

Mateusz Waligóra is a specialist in high-performance expeditions to the world’s most desolate places, together with biking by means of the world’s largest mountain vary, braving the Gobi Desert, and snowboarding internationally’s largest island.

Most lately, Mateusz stood proudly atop Mount Everest, having efficiently accomplished his Himalayan triathlon (biking, mountain climbing, climbing) after 63 days. On this dialog with Iridium, Mateusz shares particulars of the battles and triumphs of his most up-to-date #IridiumConnected expedition.

Congratulations in your profitable expedition to the highest of Mount Everest! You probably did this in a singular means, too. Are you able to share extra?

Thanks! Oh sure, it was a singular journey. I climbed Mount Everest from the Indian Ocean, so I began the hike at 0 meters above sea stage. First, I cycled over 1,200 kilometers, then, on the level the place the street ended, I began marching by means of the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp, after which climbed to the highest—all solely by human energy.

That’s fairly the feat! How did you put together on your Himalayan triathlon?

I’m fairly an skilled adventurer, so I understand how vital particulars are within the strategy planning stage. Fantastic-tuning the logistics of your entire expedition was a demanding activity. Luckily, the expertise paid off and every thing I had management over went in keeping with plan.

We’re certain this wasn’t simple. What have been a few of the psychological and bodily challenges you endured?

Most likely probably the most tough second of the expedition was a street accident throughout which I collided with a motorbike. I don’t keep in mind a lot as a result of in the meanwhile of impression I misplaced consciousness for a couple of minutes. From the account of Jakub – my buddy who accompanied me on this a part of expedition – I do know that it’s a miracle that I’m alive. It ended with abrasions, bruises, and a broken bike, which, due to the assistance of automotive mechanics, we managed to restore on the identical day. Your entire expedition was a really, very mentally demanding enterprise. Nevertheless, I’ve expertise from many solo expeditions to deserts – I managed it.

We are able to think about it was additionally tough to determine what to pack to maintain your load as mild as doable. Are you able to inform us extra concerning the important gadgets you packed?

An important factor was the minimal quantity of apparatus to maneuver effectively and a dependable bike. I selected the Koga World Traveler mannequin, assembled in accordance with my expectations. Within the mountains, the burden of the tools was vital, so I selected confirmed supplies from which my tools was made, similar to Dyneema (the world’s strongest fiber) or goose down (the best light-weight insulator). The topmost vital items of apparatus? POC sun shades, Meindl sneakers and, after all, Iridium units.

For earlier expeditions, you relied on the Iridium GO!®, and for this expedition you introduced the Iridium GO! exec®. Are you able to share extra about why you selected this system for this expedition and the way you used it?

I’m an expert storyteller. That’s my job, so telling the story of the expedition in nearly actual time in the absolute best high quality was essential to me. In fact, I respect the elevated knowledge switch velocity within the new Iridium GO! exec, however what is especially useful to me is the significantly better high quality of transferred photographs. The choice of utilizing functions that I additionally use each day, particularly WhatsApp, can also be vital. All this allowed me to report on the expedition in a fascinating and attention-grabbing means for readers on social media and to take care of fixed contact with the press and tv.

This was one of many few “inexperienced expeditions” to Everest in historical past. Are you able to inform us extra about that?

From the start, I assumed that my expedition wouldn’t use any technique of transport that will produce a carbon footprint. The usage of helicopters is changing into increasingly more common within the Khumbu area (aka Everest), which is on the Nepalese aspect of Mount Everest. You may fly them not solely to the bottom and better camps, but additionally fly decrease to Namche Bazaar, Lukla or Kathmandu to regenerate. Fancy some chilly wine and (sadly chilly) pizza from Kathmandu? No drawback: you might be solely restricted by your funds and creativeness. That is loopy, and for certain it isn’t mountaineering anymore. I didn’t comply with this, I wished to face on the highest within the purest means doable: with the facility of my very own muscular tissues and gathering all my rubbish. I would love this to be commonplace.

You’ve been an awesome advocate for ecology and the necessity for recycling. Are you able to please share extra about how these efforts have been connected to your expedition?

The title sponsor of the expedition was Asekol, an organization dealing in digital waste recycling. Collectively, we observed that individuals in Poland are sometimes outraged by the rubbish on Everest, whereas they typically lack motivation to maintain their speedy environment clear. Everest was due to this fact the start line to encourage individuals to take care of the pure setting in a catchy and enticing means, particularly to return digital waste to assortment and recycling factors. The expedition was very fashionable, and in Poland alone it reached over 18 million individuals (that’s half of our inhabitants), so I imagine that we managed to attain our aim.

What’s subsequent for you? Do you’ve any future expeditions within the pipeline?

For me, the expedition to Everest from the ocean stage was a part of a childhood dream of reaching the three excessive factors on Earth by muscle energy: the North Pole, the South Pole and Everest. In 2023, after 58 days of snowboarding alone from the Antarctic coast, I reached the South Pole. Earlier than me, due to this fact, is the North Pole, which within the present geo-political and climatic state of affairs appears to be unreachable. However what would life be with out desires? Making ready for this expedition, I wish to return to the Gobi Desert, which I used to be the primary particular person to cross on foot alone in 2018. This time I wish to journey a motorcycle – in the course of the Mongolian winter. Are you coming with me?

Comply with Mateusz Waligóra on Social Media:
Instagram: @mateusz_waligora_explorer | Fb: Mateusz Waligóra