Imagine standing at 8,848.86 metres above sea level, the world’s highest peak stretching out before you, the thin air crisp and cold, the sky an endless canopy of blue. This was the reality for Maltese mountaineer, Mark Pace, on May 16, 2023, as he became the first Maltese national to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Mark’s journey began not on the icy slopes of the Himalayas, but in the warm, sun-kissed streets of Malta. A seasoned mountaineer with over 20 years of experience, Mark has scaled peaks across Europe, Africa, and South America. But Everest, the ‘Goddess Mother of the Universe’ to the Sherpas, was always his ultimate challenge.

Mark’s preparation was meticulous. He trained in the Maltese countryside, hauling tyres up Dingli Cliffs and running along the rugged coastlines. He even set up a climbing wall in his garage in Birkirkara, a testament to his dedication and passion. “Malta might not have mountains,” he says, “but it has heart, and that’s what drives me.”

Everest, however, presented challenges unlike any other. Mark faced sub-zero temperatures, thin air, and treacherous ice. He endured weeks of acclimatisation, climbing high and sleeping low, his body adapting to the altitude. He navigated the Khumbu Icefall, a labyrinth of towering seracs and deep crevasses, and climbed through the Death Zone, where the air is too thin to sustain life for long.

Mark’s team included experienced Sherpas and fellow climbers. They relied on each other, checking ropes and sharing oxygen. On summit day, they set off at midnight, their headlamps cutting through the darkness. After 12 hours of gruelling ascent, they reached the top just as dawn broke, the sun casting a golden glow over the world below.

Back home, Mark’s feat has sparked national pride. “It’s not just about me,” he says. “It’s about showing what Maltese people can do. We might be small, but we’re tough, resilient.” His accomplishment has inspired many, including young Maltese eager to follow in his footsteps.

Mark’s next challenge? He’s already , his eyes set on another peak. But for now, he’s content to be home, sharing his story and inspiring others. “I climbed Everest,” he says, “but I’ll always be a Maltese boy at heart.”