K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters, is often referred to as the “savage mountain” due to its difficult climbing conditions and unpredictable weather. Over time, many climbers have attempted to reach its summit, but few succeed.
One such climber is Yolanda Xue Chen, a 37-year-old woman originally from China who has been residing in Fiji for the last ten years. Last month, she accomplished her dream of summiting K2 after overcoming several obstacles.
Ms. Chen, who studied international economics and trade, described K2 as her “dream mountain,” asserting that it represents the aspirations of many mountaineers. “As a woman, we are doing the same as men on the mountain. I wanted to show the world that women can be as strong as men on K2,” she expressed.
Ms. Chen’s journey into mountaineering began with trekking, which introduced her to the majestic Himalayan range. Inspired by its beauty, she became committed to climbing the world’s highest peaks, referred to as the “eight-thousanders.” K2 marks her sixth eight-thousander, having previously summited Manaslu, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest.
She acknowledges the risks associated with mountaineering, particularly when entering the “death zone” above 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are critically low. Many climbers opt to use supplemental oxygen, a heavy load that complicates their climbs.
The decision to pursue such dangerous activities has been a source of concern for Ms. Chen’s family, as they worry about her safety. She often faces communication challenges while on the mountain, going without mobile service for one to two months at a time. To mitigate risks, Ms. Chen trains rigorously at home to ensure she remains in peak physical condition.
This year’s expedition to K2 involved an international team and was described by Ms. Chen as a “super marathon,” consisting of intense rock and ice climbing. The weather posed several obstacles, delaying their ascent to Camp One. Eventually, they made their summit push on July 24 and reached the top on July 28, benefitting from favorable weather conditions on the summit day. Ms. Chen was particularly jubilant, as she brought the Fiji flag to the summit, declaring, “I cried and cried” out of sheer joy.
During the climb, she experienced several poignant moments. In one instance, she selflessly gave her oxygen tank to a teammate in need. Oddly enough, she summited without supplemental oxygen, though it took a toll on her health, resulting in headaches and vomiting on the descent.
Tragically, she also learned of the death of two Japanese climbers who were attempting K2 via a different route. Such incidents, while heartbreaking, are unfortunately common in the world of high-altitude mountaineering, where the risks often outweigh the rewards.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ms. Chen recounted a harrowing moment in 2022 when she faced an avalanche while attempting to climb Dhaulagiri in Nepal, which brought her dangerously close to death. Despite the inherent dangers of mountaineering, she remains ambitious about her goals.
“I aim to summit all 14 of the 8000-meter peaks in the world,” she stated. Additionally, she wishes to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of protecting the environment. “Where there is a challenge, there is motivation. I hope to lead Fijians in climbing the world’s highest peaks and inspire women to embrace their strength,” she added.
Outside of mountaineering, Ms. Chen enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her pets. She feels conflicting emotions when it comes to leaving home for the mountains, stating, “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.”