#NewsBytesExclusive: Gurugram pilot climbs Western Europe's tallest peak Mont Blanc
Regarded as the highest summit in Western Europe, climbing Mont Blanc is not for the faint-hearted. However, for this 42-year-old Air India Dreamliner pilot named Ghani Khan, the rustle of his crampons was louder than the voice of his inhibitions as he stood in pride atop this insurmountable pinnacle this July! In an exclusive interaction with NewsBytes, Captain Khan shares it all with us.
From photography to writing, Khan wears many hats
A wildlife photographer and author at heart, Captain Ghani Khan hails from Gurugram. He has done kayaking in Antarctica, participated in five triathlons including a couple of Ironman 70.3 events in the UAE, and successfully climbed some tallest peaks in the world.
What led you to scale Mont Blanc?
"Mountains are my childhood love. The first peak I climbed was Mount Fuji, the highest in Japan, and then last year I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa. Then I thought why not attempt Mont Blanc this time, the highest in Europe?" said Khan. The man had to first climb Gran Paradiso, the highest peak in Italy, to practice Mont Blanc.
A 'grand' achievement for Khan at Gran Paradiso!
How challenging was it? Did you face any issues?
For Khan, climbing Mont Blanc "was beyond physical and mental exhaustion. It was like doing two Ironmans in a single day!" "I had an injury on my right knee, basically a damaged meniscus that I got in March while running a race. With that, I had to balance resting and working out to make this expedition successful," he added.
Here's how he prepared for this climb
Mont Blanc is the 11th hardest mountain to climb in the world and required a lot of preparation, according to Khan. "It's all based on endurance. One has to have a strong cardiopulmonary motor to pull off such a massive climb. For my endurance, I did trail biking in Aravalli Hills, HIIT exercises, and CrossFit. Diet also played a role." stated the Dreamliner captain.
'Meditation is a very important part of my climb': Khan
Khan also elaborated on how meditation helped him. "Meditation teaches you to be calm in such adventurous expeditions. Sometimes things go critical and it's important to be calm. If you lose it, you lose the ability to think and survive too," he mentioned.
What did you pack for your expedition?
Khan told NewsBytes that he carried "a rucksack, at least three jackets, rain jackets, inner thermal pants, outer shell pants which should be rugged, lot of sunscreens, headlamp, mountain boots, harness, helmets, crampons, and inner and outer gloves." Furthermore, he also carried "energy bars, energy gels, hydration pack, and water bottles" to keep his body healthy during the expedition.
Khan shares an incredible experience
Captain Khan has driven on the highest road in the world in Ladakh, kayaked in the glacial lakes of Pangong and Chandra Taal, and tried sea kayaking in Antarctica among many other activities. "I saw whales while kayaking in Antarctica and albatrosses on my head. I even jumped into the open ocean and it was super cold. Felt needles all over body!" he added.
A glimpse of Khan's sea kayaking in Antarctica!
How do you manage to stay fit for such expeditions?
"Fitness for me started unknowingly because of my upbringing in the paramilitary forces. I grew up in a very physically active environment. My father, who was a commando back then in the CRPF, exposed me to a lot of outdoor sports and activities," says the Air India pilot. He tells us that he doesn't drink or smoke, which adds to his overall fitness.
For Khan, fitness is divided into three parts
"Physical fitness is divided into three portions. First is endurance, for which I swim, run, and play tennis. Then comes muscle building, for which I do compound workouts and isolated training. For flexibility, I do Sun Salutations and yoga," shares the Captain.
Being a pilot, how do you find time for adventures?
"If a person is busy, he's inefficient. There's always time for things that you want to do! If you wish anything from your heart, your life aligns in that axis," inspires Khan. He also revealed that he flies "60 to 70 hours a month" and travel for him never stops. He rests, hydrates well, eats healthy food, does some physical activities, and explores around.
Do you travel solo or with your family?
Khan couldn't take his kids and wife to Mont Blanc because it was harsh for them but he often travels with them. "I took them to Iceland, New Zealand, and Rome. My five-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son are also exposed to hard traveling conditions. They have done kayaking, camping, and have survived minus-degree temperatures. My son can do solo kayaking!" tells the adventure enthusiast.
What's the next expedition you are looking to accomplish?
Khan shares that success and accomplishment are corporate terms. When he sets out for such experiences, he goes beyond these bars of achievement. However, "In January 2024, there is a sibling get-together. We are going for the Chadar trek, on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh. It is a five-day trek at 10,000 feet above sea level," he concludes.
