JEDDAH: Ahmed Mohammed Jam’an Al-Ghamdi from Baha has proved to the world that life begins after retirement if you are an optimist.
End of service at Aramco actually paved the way for him to start trekking in the hilly areas of the Kingdom.
Soon, he discovered the immense stamina and strength in him and set his sights on Mount Everest.
Al-Ghamdi, who is in his 70s, is now at the base camp of the Everest along with a group of 10 climbers, including a 19-year-old boy from Qasim.
Reaching the base camp was not a cakewalk. It was a 13-day, grueling trek in the Himalayas in Nepal.
At the base camp, the septuagenarian renewed his pledge for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Al-Ghamdi praised his wife for bringing up his four sons and four daughters.
In a letter to his wife, Al-Ghamdi wrote: “I must salute you from the heights of the Himalayas for bringing up my children in an exemplary manner. It took 13 days to climb the mountains — around eight days covering 70 km to climb up and five days to cover a distance of about 70 km climbing down.”
He said that when he reached a cliff, which is known for avalanches, he took the opportunity to remember his wife.
Al-Ghamdi said that he wants to convey the message that age is never an obstacle. “It was a successful journey without any tiredness, illnesses or injuries for any of our team members.”
Born in 1368 A.H. in Baha, Al-Ghamdi did his graduation from King Saud University in 1394 A.H. and masters from King Abdulaziz University in 1398 A.H.
He worked as a geological consultant for Aramco.
The video clip of the elderly Saudi man has gone viral on social media and it is attracting likes in large numbers.
Height of adventure: Saudi in his 70s a step closer to Everest
Height of adventure: Saudi in his 70s a step closer to Everest
