Marek Adamech From the Department of Structural Analyses on Expedition in the Himalayas: My Dreams Come True Also Thanks to VUJE

"I went on the expedition at the beginning of December after a nearly two-year delay caused by the pandemic. It was my third Nepali adventure. I chose the Langtang Valley destroyed by earthquake, in the north of Kathmandu, on the border with Tibet surrounded by majestic hills dominated by Langtang Lirung (7,246 m)," describes Marek.

Captivating country

The trek he chose led through rhododendron and bamboo forests, along roaring waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, all the way to the very edge of the valley to the Kyanjin Gompa settlement, enclosing steep peaks which are 5,000 m high.

There is no wonder that Marek and his friend were attracted to these beauties of nature, although the more than 80-kilometre trek with a total elevation gain of 4,050 metres combined with the thin Himalayan air required great self-denial during the two weeks.

"After three days of challenging ascents to an altitude of 3,800 metres above sea level, we reached the final station, from where we planned to reach the three peaks gradually. We reached the first one, Kyanjin Ri, at an altitude of 4,615 metres above sea level after a few hours ascent. The air was really thin, and the oxygen concentration was only 58 % of the sea level. That's why I took a few photos, took off some clothes to stay only in my VUJE T-shirt which I usually take with me, and we went down," recalls Marek.

The snow falling down the night before accompanied them to the next ascent - Tserko Ri at an altitude of 4,985 metres above sea level. The reward for Marek was a breath-taking scenery of gigantic snow-capped mountains with even deeper valleys.

They were surprised by disease

It seemed that nothing would come in the way to finish the expedition, which included a two-day ascent in mountain climbing shoes with spikes to the 5,520-metre-high Yala peak with an overnight stay in the base camp at 4,900 metres above sea level.

"But as many wiser people before me have said, the art of living is to know when to go back and say enough, and so the next morning, after the surprising emergence of severe symptoms of acute alpine disease, we descended and, a bit earlier but responsibly, ended our attempt to overcome the last mountain," our colleague explains.

Along the way, Marek handed out gifts to local children, such as bubble blowers, sweets, pens or block notes.

Rich in experience, he enjoyed his last moments of vacation in vibrant Kathmandu before returning to his family and work responsibilities.

Challenging preparation

"To undertake such an expedition is not an easy matter in terms of time and finances, therefore I would like to thank the staff of the Department of Structural Analyses for being so helpful, the management of VUJE and Ján Korec Foundation for their support, without which it would be much more difficult to climb those heights," he added.

According to the Member of the Board of Directors of VUJE, a. s., Adrian Kovalyk, the company is aware of the demanding working tasks of Marek Adamech and "therefore we were honoured to contribute to the expedition so our colleague could make his dream come true".