Vietnamese climber Nguyen Manh Duy completes Everest and Lhotse summits in under 48 hours on May 11 and 13.
Vietnamese climber Nguyen Manh Duy has reached the summits of Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse within 48 hours, completing one of mountaineering’s rare double ascents on two of the world’s highest peaks.
At 9.09 am on May 11, Duy, 41, from Hanoi, stood at the summit of Everest. Sitting beside the Vietnamese national flag, he removed his oxygen mask and, his voice affected by the cold and lack of oxygen, sent a message back to Vietnam.
“That moment was not just a celebration, but also a deep expression of gratitude, for every step taken, every supporter along the way, and for the sacred mountain beneath my feet,” he said.
At 7 am on May 13, Duy summited Lhotse two days later, completing what he described as a “40-day dream” to scale two of the Himalayas’ most prominent peaks.
Climbing two mountains above 8,000 metres, Everest (8,848m) and Lhotse (8,516m), in such a short timeframe is a rare and demanding achievement, particularly for an amateur climber. Duy attributed the success to two years of training and preparation.
Two years of preparation
Duy spent two years preparing for the climbs, training under the guidance of Sherpas and a professional expedition company in Nepal. To build altitude resilience, he tackled multiple peaks between 6,000 and 8,000 metres.
He told Dantri that he first considered attempting both Everest and Lhotse in 2023 after summiting a 6,500-metre peak in the region.
“Standing there, overwhelmed by the majesty of the mountains, I asked myself, ‘Why not go further? Why not Everest?’ Within an hour of returning from that climb, I was already seeking advice from fellow climbers. They told me: if I were serious, two years of preparation would be enough,” he said.
Over that period, Duy visited Nepal at least twice a year to acclimatise, something he called the most crucial part of the training.
“Fitness is necessary, but flexibility and adaptation are what truly matter. Many Vietnamese climbers are physically strong, but once they reach 6,000 or 8,000 metres, altitude sickness can force them to quit,” he said.
His training included gym sessions, running, and diet management, but he stressed that real mountain conditions were essential for building the stamina needed for high-altitude endurance.
The financial cost, he noted, was significant. “To maximise my chances and stay safe, I had to invest fully in every aspect of preparation. I estimate the total cost to be around USD 80,000 to 100,000 over two years, covering tours, gear and protective equipment.”
But funding alone was not enough. “You can’t do this with money but no health, with health but no time, or with time but no support from your loved ones.”
He credited the encouragement of his wife and three young children as key to his success.
“Nepal is like a second home to us. Every summer, the whole family returns. Though my wife isn’t into mountaineering, our children are quite excited about it.”
A brush with death
Duy departed from Ho Chi Minh City on April 4. After a series of acclimatisation hikes, he began the final push towards the summits.
He described conditions above 8,500 metres, particularly at Hillary Step and the South Summit, as extremely challenging. “You may not see danger right before you, but one misstep, one weak carabiner, could mean death,” he said.
At those altitudes, often referred to as the death zone, the human body cannot survive for long. He recalled passing a lifeless body on the South Summit, which reminded him of the risks involved.
Despite the physical and mental strain, he reached both peaks and safely descended. Near the summit, he witnessed what he described as “a farewell from the Himalayas”: five-coloured clouds encircling the mountain like a ribbon.
Not meant to inspire
Duy said he did not share his story to encourage others to climb Everest.
“I climbed because it was my personal choice. I share this journey not to romanticise the Everest dream, but to make people aware: this is not an inspiring adventure, it’s a sport fraught with extreme risks. Sometimes, the price is your life.”
Vietnamese climbers have reached Everest before. In May 2008, Bui Van Ngoi, Phan Thanh Nhien and Nguyen Mau Linh became the first Vietnamese to summit the world’s highest peak. In May 2022, Phan Thanh Nhien returned to Everest, and Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha became the first Vietnamese woman to reach the summit.
According to ABC News, this year’s climbing season has already claimed the lives of at least two climbers: one from India and another from the Philippines.
The Filipino climber died on May 14 while preparing for the final push from Camp 4. A day later, an Indian climber died near the base after descending from the summit.
