‘Saw dead body dragged down’: How Anurag climbed Mt. Manaslu despite hurdles

Growing up in Hyderabad for over 20 years, Anurag was never introduced to hiking - at least not until 2018 when he had his first backpacking experience in the United States for three nights with no cell phone connectivity.

Hyderabad: Anurag Nallavelli was an hour away from reaching the summit of Mount Manaslu, largely known as the killer mountain of Nepal, when he saw a dead body being dragged down the mountain. But he didn’t lose hope.  

On September 28, he became the first Hyderabadi, possibly the first Indian, to climb the eighth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,156 metres, without supplemental oxygen nor personal Sherpa. It took him 20 days to summit.

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Growing up in Hyderabad for over 20 years, Anurag was never introduced to hiking – at least not until 2018 when he had his first backpacking experience in the United States for three nights with no cell phone connectivity.

“That’s when I realised what I need in life and started doing more and more harder backpacking routes in Colorado, California, and Washington,” he said.

While climbing Manaslu, Anurag fundraised for Nepal Youth Foundation that provides scholarships for children who have no other way to attend school.

Talking about his expedition, he said, “As it was my first-time experiencing a death-zone, there were so many things that happened that night. I started my summit push at 2:00 am from camp-4, it was snowing and windy and most of the time I couldn’t even see the headlamps of the climbers who were way ahead of me. As I made progress one step at a time, I was taking small breaks, closing my eyes, and resting myself on my trekking pole. Every time I opened my eyes, I saw different visuals and sometimes nothing, am not sure if I was hallucinating or it was the snow that blindsided me.”

He further added: “My only motivation was my parents. I didn’t tell them I was attempting it without supplemental oxygen or solo. And I purportedly didn’t talk to them before my summit push. I didn’t want to go up there and die. I wanted to experience the death zone and be alive.”  

Anurag’s final push to the summit was a real struggle, especially after a long night in snowy-windy conditions. Nevertheless, he believes mountains make him feel afraid and protected, vulnerable and confident at the same time. 

The thrilled youngster, who is currently at his home in Karmanghat, is already working on his next mission – to climb Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. Also, he is seeking sponsors to support his passion.