Adriana Brownlee urges caution after historic mountaineering feat
Adriana Brownlee, a British mountaineer, has made history. At just 23 years old, she has achieved the Crown of the Himalayas and Karakoram, becoming the youngest woman. She has now shared her thoughts on safety in high-altitude mountains, directing her warning mainly at those who, without sufficient experience, decide to climb the world's highest peaks.
Adriana Brownlee completed her conquest of the 14 eight-thousanders in October, an adventure that began in 2021. At the age of 20, she stood on the summit of Mount Everest, paving the way for further challenges in the Himalayas and Karakoram. Despite her young age, scaling the world's highest peaks has given her prestige and valuable experience, which she is eager to share with others today.
A plea for caution and safety in the mountains
This young mountaineer encourages people to pursue their dreams and take on challenges but urges caution and proper preparation. In an interview with the media, Brownlee expressed concern about the increasing number of inexperienced climbers who attempt to conquer eight thousanders without prior training.
According to this mountaineering expert, lack of preparation poses a danger to climbers and their companions.
"I have seen many examples of people in the mountains that should not really be there, that should have more training beforehand, We have had to support them and have had to help with like small things like how to put on crampons, how to put on harness," reports Brownlee.
Need for changes in regulations
The Briton, who runs a company organising high-altitude expeditions in Nepal, believes that the current regulations regarding climbing the highest peaks should be tightened. Currently, the only requirement is that climbers be at least 16 years old.
Brownlee advocates for authorities to introduce additional restrictions, such as requiring aspiring mountaineers to have prior experience in lower mountains, which would enable them to better prepare for conditions at high altitudes.
Future plans
Brownlee's plans do not end with the Crown of the Himalayas and Karakoram. The young mountaineer intends to continue exploring unclimbed peaks in Nepal and other mountains around the world. She aims to inspire others, especially young people, to follow their passions.
"For me the message is that in life … you can take any path you like to reach your goal," she said. That goal might be totally unique to you and it’s very important to keep at that and not to listen to the rest of society, what they have to say," she emphasizes.
