An inspirational teenage mountaineer from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has vowed to aspire to new heights after conquering the world's tallest mountain last year, showing incredible determination and a maturity well beyond his years to fulfill his ambition.
Alikut Dilxat ascended the southern slope of Mount Qomolangma last May at the age of just 15, completing a dream that was also held by his father, and becoming the youngest ever Chinese climber to reach the summit of the world's highest peak.
His father Dilxat Abdurexit, who is the captain of the Xinjiang Mountaineering Sports Service Center's outdoor rescue team, was immensely proud of his son's achievement.
"For every mountaineer, the goal is ultimately the same: to climb eight kilometers into the sky, to scale the world's highest peak, Mount Qomolangma. I think that spirit is ingrained in the people of Xinjiang. If they have the chance to enter the world of extreme sports, I believe they can achieve great results," he said.
From a very young age, Alikut was guided by his father through all kinds of rugged outdoor pursuits from rock climbing, to skiing, and ice climbing. His fierce ambition was never a rebellion but rather a form of reverence as he sought to follow in his father's footsteps.
"He was only about to turn 16 at the time. Climbing Mount Qomolangma requires a great deal of preparation and work. He was very young. It's so far from home, and he would face such a massive mountain," his father recalled.
Despite the difficulties, with his father's faith fully behind him, Alikut was ready to take on the ultimate challenge of conquering Mount Qomolangma.
"Before reaching the summit of Mount Qomolangma, I felt that outdoor activities were very safe. I thought that as long as I make it back safely after the climb, that's enough," said Alikut.
Days later, Alikut quite literally stood on top of the world, achieving the dream of every climber. However, it proved to be a life-changing experience as the various dangers he overcame in his attempt to reach the summit gave him a new sense of perspective in his young life.
"The first time I saw an avalanche was also on Mount Qomolangma. At the Base Camp, I witnessed a neighboring peak collapse. It made me reflect deeply. When we engage in outdoor activities, we must have a sense of awe for everything around us. I will continue with outdoor sports and keep working hard. I have many goals for the future, including climbing more mountains," he said.
He has since set his sights on conquering the "7+2" challenge - climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and reaching both the North and South Poles.
This year, Alikut continued his impressive journey and in August conquered K2, the second highest peak in the world which is also deemed to be one of the most difficult climbs on the planet.
While he has traveled far and achieved so much at a young age, Alikut still holds a deep love for his hometown in Xinjiang, and even unfurled a special banner with a message to mark the 70th anniversary of the autonomous region's founding.
"I have now reached the second highest peak in the world. The top of K2. Wish my hometown China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region a happy 70th anniversary!" he said with excitement in a recorded video message at the peak.
Inspirational teenage mountaineer from Xinjiang conquers world's tallest summit
