On top of the world: Malaysian scales Mt Everest on first try

Raman Nair Hachoodan, 42, from Shah Alam, says it was worth the hard work and frostbite.

PETALING JAYA: It was a dream come true for a 42-year-old from Shah Alam who scaled the peak of Mount Everest on his first attempt.

Although Raman Nair Hachoodan began his expedition on April 5, preparation for the undertaking started a year ago when he climbed Nepal’s Mount Lobuche, which is about 2,700m lower than Everest’s 8,848m summit.

He also underwent endurance and fitness training, The Star reported today.

It took months of hard work, but it finally paid off when, on May 20, Raman found himself standing on top of the world’s highest mountain.

He told the daily that reaching the peak was the most difficult thing he had done in his life. He also suffered frostbite in one finger and a toe, but said making it to the peak of Mount Everest was worth it.

“It was a great feeling to touch the roof of the earth,” he was quoted as saying.

“Mountaineering is something special which you can’t understand until you are in the game.” -FMT