For Omani adventurer Sulaiman Hamood al Nabi, mountaineering is a passion that he lives for each day. However, his love for his beloved country is no less and he could think of no better way to show his love for his motherland than by climbing Europe’s highest peak.
Thirty seven year old Nabi, this year scaled the 5,642m high Mt Elbrus in Russia to commemorate the 48th Renaissance Day of Oman. A native of Wadi al Ma’awel in South Batinah, Nabi said he began the six-day trip on July 18. “It took us six days to reach the summit. My trip began on July 18 and I reached Mount Elbrus on July 23. I raised the flag of the sultanate and the image of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to commemorate the 48th Renaissance Day.” The pleasure of reaching the summit each time is something only a mountaineer can explain considering the innumerable extreme climatic challenges one faces.
“The unexpected downpours, thunderstorms, ice collapse, sub zero temperature and snowstorms are common. But then my past experiences fuelled by patriotism kept me going.”
The altitude and the unpredictable weather can make any summit an arduous and daunting challenge but it is fitness that is the foremost priority when undertaking any such climbs, said Nabi.
“A mountaineer should be fit physically and mentally. We practised by walking long distances for about two months. We also studied all aspects of the place,” he said.
Mt Elbrus is not Nabi’s first climb, he has conquered several mountains including the famous Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mt Aconcagua in Argentina. “This is my passion. The steep mountain slopes keep calling and I set out to discover each every year. I wish to scale seven peaks of the world and promote Oman. I distribute brochures of Oman and miniature khanjars during my trips. I am also thankful to the ministries of Tourism, Defence, Education and Sports Affairs for their continued support.”
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