Adventurer’s tall order – Everest!
Darren Clarkson-King
One man, one mountain.
That’s the never-done-before challenge adventurer Darren Clarkson-King has set himself.
When most people think of Himalayan mountain Everest, they imagine trekkers scaling its peaks to reach earth’s highest summit.
But not Batley-born Darren, who in March will be kayaking down the mountain’s white water rivers into Nepal.
The 36-year-old will spend 21 days paddling through the harsh waters of the Dudh Kosi and the Arun Gorges – the two rivers which flow down the mountain.
While it won’t be the first time he’s kayaked the rivers, it will be the first time he’s done it solo.
“Everest is a well-worn path as people climb up and down it, but very few people kayak the rivers,” he said.
“In the last 20 years there’s probably been about 17 people attempt it, though none of them have been alone.
“I’ve decided to do this solo for the first time to get the pure experience of being there; one man, one mountain.”
Darren, who now lives in north Wales, has won funding of £1,000 though a internet poll by outdoor clothing brand Berghaus.
He submitted details of his self-imposed challenge to Berghaus and was voted for by people visiting the brand’s website.
He said the money just about paid for his expenses.
His quest will start with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and a couple of days hiking to the opening of Dudh Kosi.
The river challenge will take around nine days, before Darren scales the mountain again for a 12-day descent of the Arun Gorges.
Darren, who started kayaking at the age of 15 at the Pennine Canoe Club in Dewsbury, said: “Every now and then I guess some people get a niggle at the back of their mind that burns and makes them want to do stuff. I’ve had this niggle for years.”
While he is excited about his upcoming task, Darren, who lives for six months of the year in Nepal, admitted he was nervous.
“The rivers are quite challenging and there are a lot of rapids which are very dangerous, but I am most nervous about paddling for six days in the gorge,” he said.
“Once you’re in there you can’t get out, and I will be completely alone, mentally tired and hungry.
“It’ll be a long slog, but I know what I’m doing.”
Darren plans to offer free river guide training to the local children while he’s in Nepal.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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