Nelly Attar Becomes First Lebanese to Summit World’s Top 5 Peaks

Nelly Attar, a mountaineer and wellness advocate from Lebanon, has uniquely positioned herself in the annals of climbing history.

She has successfully scaled the world's five tallest peaks: Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, marking her as the first Lebanese and the first Arab woman to conquer K2, known for its perilous conditions.

Her journey encompasses conquering over 40 mountains across five continents, as she pursues her goal to summit all 14 of the globe's 8,000-meter mountains, showcasing her unparalleled ambition and dedication to pushing the limits of what is achievable.

Reflecting on her monumental achievements, Attar's journey began with a spontaneous ambition at the start of the year, having already climbed Everest, K2, and Lhotse.

"At the start of this year, I had basically done Everest K2 and Lhotse, so the first, second, and fourth highest peak. What was left was the fifth and the third and then the idea of doing the top five came about. I thought it would be amazing to do that for now so I was aiming to do Makalu and then it worked out for me to also do the third highest peak in the world, which is Kangchenjunga this year," Attar explained, highlighting the evolution of her ambitious goals.

Training for Triumph

Attar's rigorous training regimen played a critical role in her successes. Originating in Saudi Arabia, where sports infrastructure was initially lacking, she adapted by utilizing desert terrains and incorporating ice baths and winter conditioning to prepare for the extreme cold of high altitudes.

Her holistic approach to training, encompassing strength, endurance, and recovery, culminated in up to 15 hours of weekly training across various sessions.

This disciplined preparation was pivotal for her climbs of Makalu and Kangchenjunga, where she shifted to training in groups, leveraging the collective energy to enhance her performance.

Unforgettable Climbs

The climb to Makalu's summit on May 10 stands out in Attar's memory as one of her most cherished experiences, citing her exceptional strength and the seamless flow of the ascent.

"On May 10th, we attempted the summit of Makalu and it turned out to be one of my favorite climbs. I felt incredibly strong that day and moved in a complete flow state for hours. We went from Camp 3 to the summit and all the way back to Basecamp in one push. The route was exposed and challenging, the weather was perfect, and we moved for hours under a full moon. It was a long day, but an unforgettable one," she shared.

Conversely, her ascent of Kangchenjunga was marked by extreme challenges, including a grueling 16-kilometer summit day, adverse weather conditions, and the theft of her oxygen bottles, testing her resilience and determination to the utmost.

Lessons from the Peaks

The adversities Attar faced on Kangchenjunga taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, humility, and creativity.

Facing situations where her oxygen bottles were stolen above 8,000 meters, she emphasized the importance of overcoming ego and finding the strength to persevere.

"There is no room for ego up there. The mountain teaches you everything: resilience, teamwork, humility, and creativity. Even when my oxygen bottles were stolen above 8,000 meters on Kangchenjunga, we found a way to keep going," Attar asserted, reflecting on the profound personal growth attained through her climbing endeavors.

Inspiring a Movement

Beyond personal achievement, Attar's climbs serve as a source of inspiration for Arab women and communities across the Middle East to pursue their passions, embrace wellness, and challenge conventional boundaries.

From founding Saudi Arabia's first dance studio to scaling the world's highest peaks, she has significantly contributed to shaping the Kingdom's sports ecosystem.

"I just hope that people see that our lives can be very different, that it stirs something in them to also follow their calling, their dreams, to go climb their own Everest, and to have the courage to do so," Attar stated, highlighting her vision of empowering others through her journey.

As Nelly Attar continues to chase her goal of summiting all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks, her story stands as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the impact of pioneering spirits in expanding the realm of possibilities for women everywhere.

Her accomplishments not only underscore her status as one of the Middle East's elite athletes but also reinforce her role in paving the way for future generations to pursue their own lofty ambitions.