by Barbara Yakimchuk
Raha Moharrak: “Not Everyone Will Climb Everest, But Everyone Has an Everest To Climb”
27 Jan 2025
As cliché as it may sound, if you don’t want to regret missing out on opportunities, take risks and act now! This simple truth is the life motto of the first Saudi woman to conquer Everest (and, by the way, the Seven Summits — a monumental challenge even for many seasoned climbers) Raha Moharrak. She is not only sharing valuable insights for both beginner and experienced climbers but also offering sort of inspiration to those feeling lost or unsure. Her story is nothing short of extraordinary — and that has no exaggeration.
— First of all, thank you, Raha, for being willing to share your story! You are known as the first Saudi woman to conquer Everest, right?
— Yes, I was the first Saudi woman to climb Everest, and that is something I will always feel honoured by. For a long time, I was the only one, but another Saudi woman climbed it a few years ago, which I think is incredible. I love giving credit to the women who came after me — I am so proud of them.
— This passion for travel — how did it come about?
— My family has always loved travelling. I think that is where my love of travel comes from — from them. But even though we travelled a lot during my childhood, the idea of mountain climbing sounded like such a strange decision to them at the time. It really was quite unexpected.
Regarding travelling — I love history, cultures, and stories. I am fascinated by how we were and have this insatiable curiosity about humanity’s story. What better way to explore that than by travelling — exploring the world and discovering what it truly means to be human? You keep exploring, finding new cities, trying new dishes, and discovering languages. Even now, after visiting around 80 countries, I am nowhere near finished. I still want more.
— Which country is next on your list?
— Hopefully Japan. I have been dreaming of going there for so long. I am so excited about the possibility of visiting this year. I also want to take life a bit slower while I am there.
— I know it is a hard question, but out of the 80 countries which one is 100% required to be visited?
— Oh, that is such a hard question! It really depends on where you are and what you’re looking for. If you are close to Europe, I would say Spain — it has got incredible people, varied landscapes, and a rich history. But for me personally, Africa holds a special place in my heart.
I absolutely love Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana. Botswana, in particular, is one of my favourite destinations in the world. It is stunningly beautiful and not as widely known, which makes it even more special. Honestly, I just want to promote Botswana because I love it so much. They are not paying me — I just think it is amazing.
— Travelling is one thing — but mountains are something much more difficult and dangerous. How did you first get into this type of hobby?
— I knew I wanted to try something new and adventurous, and I happened to have some free time as I was moving from Saudi Arabia and back. One day, I overheard someone talking about climbing Kilimanjaro. At first, I thought, “Kilimanjaro? That sounds like the name of a fruit!” I had no idea it was a mountain. But the more I looked into it, the more I realised how special it was, and I thought, "I need to do this." That is how it all began.
— So Kilimanjaro was your first climb? How was it?
— Yes, Kilimanjaro was my first. Some might say it is one of the easier climbs, but believe me, it is really tough and very demanding. I was absolutely terrified before starting — I had no idea what to expect. It was so far outside my comfort zone, but that is exactly what made it exciting. The challenge, the thrill, and even that little bit of fear — I loved it all.
— And how did Everest come into the picture?
— Honestly, it happened quite organically. I started climbing more, and along the way, I learned about the Seven Summits. For those unfamiliar, the Seven Summits are the highest mountain peaks on each continent — a significant milestone for climbers. After climbing a few mountains, I think by the third or so, I realised, “You know what? I want to do all seven.” Of course, Everest was one of the final ones on the list.
(The Sandy Times comment: Estimates suggest that as of recent years, overall there are only around 500 climbers have completed the Seven Summits challenge).
— I know you are from a Saudi family. Can you tell me more about how your family reacted? Did they try to convince you to give up on the idea?
— It was incredibly shocking for them. They were, first of all, surprised that this was something I wanted to do. You have to understand, in any family — even a non-Arab one — there would be some level of nervousness about something like this. I did face harsh criticism, but I knew it came from love and concern. They did not know what to expect. That said, there was no sabotage or anything like that, but the criticism was definitely there. It was mentally and emotionally demanding for all of us. But in a way, I saw that as part of the challenge — and I liked that.
— I know that preparing for Everest takes a lot of time. How did you approach your preparation?
— I went all in. I researched a lot — I was terrified of being underprepared. This was over 10 years ago, and back then, there wasn’t much support or acceptance for Arab women doing something like this. Finding the right information or trainers was a big challenge.
There is one funny story about my preparation — it was during the holy month of Ramadan, and I only had a month before the climb, so I had to break in my triple-insulated boots. The problem was, it was summer in the Middle East, so it was incredibly hot. Where could I wear such boots? The mall, of course. So, I walked around the mall in my abaya and these gigantic boots. It must have looked hilarious, and I am sure people were shocked — but it worked!
— You said you did a lot of research. Did you come across any alarming statistics?
— Absolutely. I was aware of all the potential risks before the trek. But the one thing I wasn’t prepared for was the cold. I knew it would be something like minus 50 degrees, but there is a huge difference between walking from a car to a restaurant in minus 50 and actually living in a tent on the side of a mountain at that temperature.
— How long did the preparation for Everest take?
— Preparation time varies by mountain, and sometimes it requires pre-preparation. That is what happened to me. Everest took me a year and eight other mountains.
— How long does the climb itself take? And how do you choose the right route?
— It took 60 days. Choosing the route was straightforward for me. There are two main options: the north side and the Nepalese side. I opted for the Nepalese side because it is safer, more established, and has stricter regulations and safety measures. It was an obvious choice.
— How many mountains have you conquered in total, and how often did you think about turning back?
— I have climbed 18 mountains. As for turning back, I never considered it — except for one time when bad weather forced us to stop — but still it was the leader's decision. It was the toughest mountain for me — Denali. For me, the rule was clear: as long as I was not risking life or limb, I kept pushing forward.
— What advice would you give to someone starting a climbing career?
— It depends on which mountain you want to climb. But the main thing for all mountains is to always choose a company with a solid track record — one that has been operating for a long time and has experience. It is important to go with a company that someone you trust has climbed with, rather than picking randomly.
I also pay close attention to the track leader, mostly through recommendations. If I know someone who has climbed with them, that is a big advantage. I consider how long they have been around, their character, personality, and climbing style.
Over the years, I have climbed with people I genuinely like and respect, some of whom have become friends for life. I have also climbed with others I didn’t particularly like but still respected. And then there were those I neither liked nor respected — frankly, complete assholes.
— Which mountain would you recommend for beginners, and what should they prepare for?
— It really depends on where you live. If you are near Africa, Kilimanjaro is a great starting point. It is relatively safe, and the support infrastructure is excellent. Latin America also offers wonderful options with good packages and friendly people.
My best advice? Train properly. Don’t be lazy — it is dangerous up there if you are not prepared. Do your research, invest in the right gear, and make sure you are physically ready. It is all about preparation.
— In your experience, what determines success in conquering a mountain? Is it more physical or mental?
— Honestly, it is about determination and mindset. How much do you want it? That is what it comes down to. Physical fitness is important, of course, but it isn't everything. I have seen incredibly fit people fail, and others who weren’t as fit succeed.
— What is the most common reason people turn back halfway? How is that decision made?
— It is usually when someone decides they can’t go on, or a guide advises them to turn back. Sometimes it is due to illness or fatigue, but it is rarely just about physical ability. As I said, mental strength is really important in the mountains. So it is usually a combination of factors.
— How has your physical condition changed after climbing so many mountains?
— To be honest, it took almost a year for my skin to recover — I had terrible sunburns. I was also heavier back then. Now, I have slimmed down and focused on maintaining my fitness. I still enjoy sports, but I am more cautious these days. Pushing your body too hard can lead to burnout, both physical and mental, and that is not healthy. You need to understand the toll it can take on your body and be ready for that too.
— After you started conquering mountains, you began collaborating with big brands like adidas. I also saw your collaboration with Visa. How do you feel about being part of these international names?
— I am absolutely honoured. It is incredible to represent who I am — my nationality, my background, everything. I am so grateful and humbled. I remember during my first collaboration, it felt amazing. Just having a brand believe in you is such an honour. It made me feel like I had finally made it, like someone recognised the hard work I had been putting in. Before that, it was hard to get noticed, and it felt like no one really cared.
— Do you feel you have a mission to promote mountain climbing, sports, and travel?
— I want to do even more. I want to show people it isn't just about the mountains. If you love something, pursue it — whether or not you get attention or recognition. Life is about continuing your passion at any age, at any stage. I feel a lot of responsibility, especially with social media now. I want to be a good example, not a silly one. I don’t want to just exist on social media without doing something meaningful. I want to leave a legacy and have a purpose.
I get a lot of messages from people asking for advice, and I genuinely give my time. If anyone contacts me, I always try to respond because I know it might make a difference to someone. I am a private person, but I try as much as I can.
— Throughout the interview, you mentioned your public speaking career. Is it connected to your travels somehow?
— No, it is not about travel, but more motivational — about following your dreams and helping people think about what they want to do with their lives. I gave a speech at my university a few days ago, and I started by saying, “Not everyone will climb Everest, but everyone has an Everest to climb.” I really hope my Everest can inspire others to find their own Everests.
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