K2, often referred to as the “savage mountain,” looms impressively among a chain of icy summits in Pakistan. As the world’s second-highest peak, standing at 8,611 meters above sea level, K2 has captivated countless climbers and mountaineers throughout history, yet only a select few have managed to reach its summit.
Known for its brutal weather and challenging conditions, K2 remains a coveted destination for adventurous climbers. One such climber is Yolanda Xue Chen, who, despite facing several hurdles, recently achieved her goal of summiting K2. A native of China, Ms. Chen has resided in Fiji for the past ten years and at 37 years old, she realized her dream of conquering the mountain.
Describing K2 as her “dream mountain,” Ms. Chen expressed her desire to demonstrate the strength of women in the mountaineering community. “As a woman, we are doing the same as men on the mountain,” she stated, emphasizing her mission to show that women can be just as strong as their male counterparts.
Initially, Ms. Chen was involved in the China Adventure Association as an athlete, which sparked her interest in mountaineering through trekking. This passion eventually led her to the Himalayan range, where her ambition to tackle the “eight-thousanders”—a category of 14 peaks exceeding 8,000 meters—was born. K2 marks her sixth success in summiting these formidable mountains, following her climbs of Manaslu, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest.
Climbing at such extreme altitudes is fraught with danger, including severe health risks and the perilous nature of the “death zone,” where the oxygen level is insufficient for human survival. Many climbers carry supplemental oxygen, a considerable challenge due to its weight. Ms. Chen acknowledged the emotional toll her climbing pursuits took on her family, noting their concerns for her safety. Extended periods without mobile connectivity further increased their apprehension.
To ensure her readiness for each expedition, Ms. Chen undergoes rigorous training at home. This year, she joined an international climbing team for her K2 adventure, likening the experience to a “super marathon” of rock and ice climbing. Although adverse weather conditions delayed their progress, Ms. Chen and her team successfully reached the summit on July 28 after a final push on July 24.
On the day of her summit, Ms. Chen was greeted with clear skies and low winds, allowing her to revel in the moment. She brought with her the flag of Fiji, and upon reaching the top, she was overcome with emotion. “I cried and cried,” she shared.
Throughout her climb, Ms. Chen faced challenging moments, including sacrificing her oxygen supply for a teammate in distress and concluding her summit without supplemental oxygen, which later left her feeling unwell on her descent. Tragically, she also witnessed the deaths of two climbers on a separate route to the summit.
The inherent dangers of mountaineering are well-known, and Ms. Chen has encountered her share of near-death experiences. She recounted a frightening incident in 2022 when she survived a perilous avalanche while attempting to climb Dhaulagiri in Nepal.
Despite the inherent risks, Ms. Chen maintains an optimistic outlook and aspires to complete her goal of summiting all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters. She is equally passionate about raising awareness of climate change and aims to protect the environment. “Where there is a challenge, there is motivation,” she reflected, expressing her desire to inspire fellow Fijians to take on high-altitude climbing.
When she is away from the mountains, Ms. Chen enjoys reading, cooking for her family, and spending time with her pets, sharing the dichotomy of her life. “When I leave home, I am so excited because I am close to the mountains. But when I stay on the mountain, I miss my home,” she noted.