Imagine standing at 8,848.86 meters above sea level, the world’s highest peak stretching out before you, and knowing that you, a Maltese native, are one of the few to have made it to the top of Mount Everest. This is not a fantasy, but a reality for Maltese mountaineer, Alex Borg.

The Ascent of a Lifetime

Borg, a 37-year-old resident of Birkirkara, began his journey to the summit of Everest on March 18, 2022. His expedition was part of a larger team organized by the Seven Summits Treks company, which included climbers from various countries. The team followed the traditional South Col route, starting from the Nepalese side of the mountain.

The climb was no easy feat. It involved navigating through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, the steep Lhotse Face, and the infamous Hillary Step. Borg and his team also had to endure extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C (-22°F) and winds reaching speeds of over 100 km/h (62 mph).

A Maltese Flag at the Top of the World

After 47 days of grueling climb, Borg finally reached the summit of Everest on May 16, 2022, at around 8:30 AM local time. He was accompanied by two Sherpa guides, Ngima Chhiri and Dorjee Sherpa. At the peak, Borg unfurled the Maltese flag, a moment he described as “an overwhelming feeling of pride and accomplishment.”

“Seeing the Maltese flag waving at the top of the world was a surreal experience,” Borg said in an interview with Hot Malta. “It made me realize that no matter where we come from, we can achieve great things if we set our minds to it.”

Malta’s Mountain Conqueror Returns Home

Borg returned to Malta on May 20, 2022, to a hero’s welcome. He was greeted by family, friends, and fellow Maltese at Malta International Airport. His feat has sparked a wave of national pride and inspiration, with many Maltese looking up to him as a symbol of perseverance and determination.

Borg’s achievement also highlights the potential of Maltese mountaineers on the global stage. His climb to Everest’s summit is a testament to the fact that size doesn’t dictate ability. As a small island nation, Malta may not have the same geographical advantages as other countries, but it certainly has no shortage of spirit and determination.

Borg’s next challenge? He plans to climb the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. With Everest conquered, he’s already off to a strong start. We can’t wait to see what this Maltese mountaineer accomplishes next.