Robin Boustead mapped out 150,000m of Great Himalyan Trial

Mapping a trail with a total ascent and descent of 150,000m – that’s reaching the summit of Mount Everest 17 times – and the highest point of 6,200m which happens to be in one of the most remote parts of the world is a pretty infinite task. Robin Boustead has undertaken the challenge and has mapped around 4500 km through the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Tibet.

Upon being asked why he had chosen such an unfathomable life for himself, he answered:”I first went in 1993, and have been every year since at some point. In 1996/1997 I was spending time with some friends who are guides and we were fantasising about the route and we kicked that idea around for a while. At that time there were lots of areas closed to tourists, and I didn’t know much about the nature of the trail, so it was a dream.”

Recalling the times when his dream turned into reality, Boustead said,”In 2004 I decided to trek to Mount Kailash by walking across Nepal from Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world and we started to work out the best way to join the route. I did a lot of research to find out if it was possible. In September 2008, I set off and realised it was much harder than I ever thought it would be! I didn’t think anyone would be interested in the trail, but it turned out they were!”

Boustead was very impressed with the map of the Himalayas and was keen to improve it. He then started working with Himalayan Map House who developed an interlinked map of the Himalayas. Talking about the challenges one has to face during trekking the Himalayas, Boustead said,”Basic navigation is difficult and you are travelling in and out of so many different ecosystems. From tropical to sub-tropical, to alpine to everything in between. The environment is always changing, so the trail is a lot different to what you expect. Even if you are an experienced mountaineer in your own climate, there will be an area you will struggle with on the trail – it really tests your skills.”

Boustead feels that no matter what route you take, the path is going to be tough yet a life changing experience for you. You will never come back the same person again.

“You really only start trekking after the first four weeks, after that you just sort of fly, or float along the trail. That lasts until around 90 to 100 days and then it starts to get tough again as your body begins to wear down. But for those weeks in-between it is the most incredible feeling.”

Source:http://www.redbull.com/en/adventure/stories/1331748131999/mapping-the-highest-trail-on-earth