TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Come September 20, and this Goan lad will travel to Russia in an attempt to climb Europe’s highest mountain – Mount Elbrus, one of the seven summits of the world.
If 21-year old Rahul Prabhudessai makes it on Elbrus, he will achieve the distinction of being the first Goan to have climbed it and will turn out to be a very important part of his training programme for climbing Mount Everest, next year.
Flanked by his parents Dr Babita Angle and Dilip Prabhudessai , Rahul, a fresh graduate from Chowgule College, Margao, told the media . “The 5, 800 metre high Elbrus, although frequently attempted by mountain climbers, is known for its highly unpredictable weather, extreme cold, and low visibility on the slopes. There are also a number of other dangers like crevasses, navalanche-prone areas etc”.
A sports oriented person ever since he was only six years old, Rahul took to trekking in the Himalayas when he was only 12, something that he completely attributes to his parents. “I had been trekking for over seven years now. My first trek was a modest one in Manali. I have trekked in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. I have completed a number of treks with my parents too”, he said.
In February 2014, Rahul along with three other mountaineers completed a 140 km long trek in the Zanskar valley of Ladakh, carrying their own tents and food without the help of any external support within 10 days.
Dempo House and the NRB Group, besides Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai are backing Rahul in this expedition to Russia.
