An intrepid fundraiser has reflected on his toughest challenge yet after tackling one of the harshest mountain environments on Earth.
Raza Anjum flew to the western Himalayas just before Christmas where he aimed to make history by becoming the first British mountaineer to complete a winter climb of Khosar Gang – a 6,000-metre plus peak in the Karakoram region.
Along the way he faced remote, unforgiving conditions – heavy snowfall, violent winds, avalanche risks and freezing temperatures plunging to -25 °C.
He experienced altitude sickness, leaving him severely dehydrated, and struggled to keep food down or sleep at night.
“It was a colossal challenge and definitely the hardest thing I’ve done,” said Raza, who was raising money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
“However, despite the conditions and severity of the climb, it was a unique and extraordinary experience.
“The scenery was beautiful, and it’s incredible being in such a desolate, isolated environment.
“It was the polar opposite to my usual city working life, and I feel lucky and privileged to have had such a memorable experience.”
The Karakoram mountain range is home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, including K2, the second highest mountain on Earth.
At over 6,000 metres, thin air and extreme altitude make every movement physically demanding. Only one climbing team – a four-man Russian group – has ever reached the summit in winter and that was in February 2022.
Raza, who began his expedition on 23rd December, was hoping to make it to the summit of the mountain but severe weather conditions meant he was forced to stop after climbing more than 5,000 metres.
“Despite my best intentions, I wasn’t able to reach the summit,” said Raza who is originally from Saffron Walden and runs a successful commercial property law firm in central London.
“That was tough, but I pushed myself to the limit before reaching a point where it was unsafe to continue.
“It would have been perilous, and I’d utilised all my energy. There’s a very good reason why only one mountaineering team has ever reached this summit in the winter.
“It’s the most extreme of challenges, but I’m still pleased to have climbed more than 5,000 metres above sea level. I got 70 to 80 per cent of the way there, and climbed higher than any mountain in Western Europe.”
Raza was left concerned after an incident involving two members of his five-man team – both local guides who are among the most experienced climbers in the world.
“They’ve tackled the biggest and most dangerous summits on the planet, including being part of rescue operations,” he said.
“However, after going ahead to clip guide ropes in place, they got caught in an avalanche, plunging 400m.
“Thankfully, they came to a halt just before a cliff edge but still suffered serious injury and had to be taken to hospital.
“I’d seen them two hours before, and it really shook me up, which is another reason I made my decision to stop when I did.”
Raza is a long-time supporter of EACH who has previously raised thousands of pounds after trekking to Everest Base Camp and climbing Mount Toubkal – the highest peak in Morocco.
He has visited EACH’s Milton hospice and spoke about his experiences during last month’s fundraising carol service at Saffron Walden Baptist Church.
“More than anything, I’ve achieved my goal of raising funds and awareness of EACH,” said Raza.
“That was always my motivation, and I’m so incredibly grateful to anyone who donated via my fundraising webpage.
“It’s still live, so hopefully my total will keep growing, and I’d encourage anyone – both individuals and businesses – to do whatever they can to support EACH.”
To show your support for EACH and sponsor Raza, head here.
