AN adventurous Bahraini father-son duo have been training for months to trek to the Everest Base Camp, for a second time, next week as part of their one-month expedition in Nepal.
At 63 years, Dr Ahmed Shakeeb, a retired plastic and burn surgeon, is one of the oldest men in the region to take up the challenge – which he has done almost 30 times since 1990.
His son, 15-year-old Ali, has been training for the last few weeks by running 7km a day, carrying a 7kg backpack and 2kg dumbbells in each hand, to increase his tolerance and strength for the upcoming journey.
Although the two are embarking on the 5,364m trek to the Everest Base Camp and the 5,644m trek up Kala Patthar together, Ali hopes to break away and trek to the 6,119m Island Peak on his own.
The GDN previously reported that Dr Shakeeb and his two sons – Ali and Hamad – had trekked through rain and snow last year to reach the Everest Base Camp on a family adventure.
“Sharing this journey with my father – who I admire so much – is an incredible opportunity, especially since I have been preparing to scale Island Peak on my own, just like my brother Hamad did last year,” Ali said. “I fell in love with these adventures because my father has been doing it for decades and he’s my role model.
“I’ve been running with weights and dumbbells and climbing a fixed rope attached to a tree in our garden because I need to strengthen my shoulders, arms and hands.”
The 15-year-old, who is also a budding basketball player for Manama Club, highlighted the importance of parental support when pursuing dreams and passions and stated that his family has always been athletic, adventurous and determined to take on challenges.
“We will spend around three to four weeks on this journey which commences on May 31,” Dr Shakeeb told the GDN.
“It is important to take things slow and not cut corners, because a reckless decision could cause serious accidents.
“There’s a domestic flight we have to take from Kathmandu to Lukla and once we get there the rest will be on foot and the plan is to first trek to the Everest Base Camp followed by Kala Patthar so that we slowly acclimatise.
“Once we complete that, Ali will proceed to Island Peak – his first technical climb – on his own, just like his brother did.
“Sharing this trip with my son means a lot to me and it is incredible to see your children taking part in such activities.”
Dr Shakeeb added that 17-year-old Hamad was also planning a solo-journey in October.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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