John Tsang
The first Hong Kong climber to summit Mount Everest from both the North and South ridges, avid hiker John Tsang (not to be confused with the financial secretary) talks to Kiki Elijandy about the mountains he’s conquered and the injuries he’s suffered on some of the highest peaks in the world.
HK Magazine: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
John Tsang: I’m currently 41 years old, and I have been hiking at a professional level for 21 years. In recent years, I have been challenging myself to greater feats. I currently hold a couple of records in Hong Kong. For instance, I am the first Hong Kong climber to summit four 8,000-meter mountains and to summit Mount Everest from both the South and North ridge. I am also the second Hongkonger to complete the Seven Summits. Each year I spend about one to one-and-a-half months hiking. Outside of my hiking, I own a consultant company that deals with people development.
HK: You have said that the mountains are both your “mentor and friend.” Can you explain more what that means?
JT: Mountains can’t speak, but during an expedition, a hiker will spend a lot of time alone. During that period of time, I will usually take a moment of self-reflection. Sitting at great altitude with not much oxygen, this environment cultivates my thoughts and inspirations.
HK: What’s in your head when you reach the summit?
JT: During an expedition, as I progress all I can think about is the summit—how I will reach it and what my feelings will be when I reach it. The funny thing is, once I’ve reached the top, I realize that I’m only halfway through the trek, but I’ve already used up all my energy. In order to finish the expedition, I have to get back down to the base camp. After my accident in 2007, I really learned how important it is to balance and reserve my energy to accommodate the entire journey, both upwards and down.
HK: What is your relationship with the sherpas who help you to the top of these peaks?
JT: The situation for sherpas has improved significantly in the recent years; they never used to be credited like they are these days. Without a sherpa to guide you, not many people will be able to get to the summit. For sherpas, to summit a mountain is a way of life and a source of income; for climbers, it’s to fulfill a dream or an accomplishment—our goals are very different. Ever since my accident, the sherpa who accompanied me on that trip has been my partner for every expedition above 8,000 meters—I have great respect for him.
HK: Apart from your family, what do you miss most when you’re on your expeditions?
JT: Food. Especially char siu rice. At base camp, we hired a chef to cook for us, and there’s a catering service available at Advanced Base Camp too. Any farther than that, I have cook for myself. The cooks certainly don’t know what char siu rice is, but they do cook some kind of fried rice—but it’s very dry, similar to Indian biryani. Anyway, at great altitudes I lose my appetite.
HK: What’s your favorite dish at Advanced Base Camp?
JT: I actually miss the breakfast—they make really good pancakes. It’s Nepalese-style, filled with pineapples.
HK: Does your family complain?
JT: Of course! Nevertheless, they do understand and support me on every expedition. In 2007, I fractured my right leg at 7,000 meters. Luckily, a Russian team rescued me, but I spent a month and a half in the hospital. Two years later, I tackled Everest. Although my wife and family are still afraid for me, climbing mountains has become an important part of my life
John runs team-building-activity business Adventure Plus. Donate your gear to sherpas at [email protected].
