Klik her for at se PDF'en - Air Greenland

They will reach
the top of Nepal
Nepal is paradise for trekking
tourists. There are dense highland
forests, dizzying canyons, rushing
rivers and not least, the massive
mountains of the Himalayas.
One of the mountains, Annapurna
IV, is 7,525 metres high. A
Greenlandic flag is to be planted
here, on top of this mountain
Louise M. Kleemann
Najaaraq Sethsen and Amma Knudsen found each other
through a shared passion; mountain hiking. At present
they are busy finding sponsors for their great journey. Their
dream is to sit on top of Annapurna IV and enjoy the view of
the snow-clad mountain peaks of Nepal.
Nepal is a country that has no access to the ocean. The country
itself lies in the middle of the Himalayas between the world’s
two most highly populated nations – India and China.
Although mountain hiking is less dangerous than mountain
climbing, it is no less demanding. Quite the opposite. A high
level of fitness is required to reach the top of the 7,000 metre
high mountain.
181 TIMes
Najaaraq Sethsen usually lives in Nuuk and is one of the few
people in town who has climbed Store Malene the most – 181
times since 2008.
– I love hiking, it is a part of my life, says Najaaraq Sethsen.
She has just finished hiking from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq, as
part of the training. It is a popular walk that takes about 10-15
days to complete.
– It took us five days to get there. On the first day, we walked
for 12 hours and we each had a sled to pull, says Najaaraq Sethsen.
It will not be the first time she spends time in thinner air. Last
year she went mountain hiking in India.
– I was the only person from Greenland to climb Stok-Kangri, a
6,154 metre high mountain. And it was probably the first time
ever, that it was climbed by a Greenlander. Now, I only need
another 2,694 metres in order to reach the top of the highest
mountain in the world, says Najaaraq Sethsen.
DreAMInG OF MOUnT eVeresT
Mountain hiking on Annapurna will have great significance for
her greatest dream: to reach the top of Mount Everest.
– I am always thinking of Mount Everest, it is my lifetime
dream. If it all goes according to plan and we complete the hike
on Annapurna, I am going to start planning the tour of my life,
says Najaaraq Sethsen.
She was about eight or nine when she climbed her first mountain.
In those days, her grandparents lived in a small village near
Ilulissat and from their house there was a view of a mountain.
– It had a compelling effect on me. An effect that I found hard
to resist. One day, I made a quick decision and I started to
climb. I remember the excitement and the great joy of reaching
the top and enjoying the view of the village. It was unforgettable.
Since then, I have loved hiking and climbing in the mountains,
tells Najaaraq Sethsen.
IncreDIBLe cV
Her companion, Amma Knudsen, also has an impressive CV,
which would take the breath away from most people. She has
taken part in the Arctic Circle Race and the Siku Extreme Arctic
Challenge, she has crossed the inland ice and she has run
several marathons, both at home and abroad. In addition, she
loves to climb the mountains in the regions around Igaliko and
Qaqortoq.
They are both looking forward to carrying out the trip, provided
they succeed in finding sponsors.
– Why do you want to do it?
– We want to inspire others to achieve their goals, because with
will and with desire, anything is possible, says Najaaraq Sethsen.
They have put a big cross in the calendar on a certain date:
September 20th This is the date when they think they will have
reached the top of Annapurna IV.
Suluk #04 Air Greenland Inflight Magazine 2012 55