Imagine standing at 8,848.86 metres above sea level, looking out at a world that seems to stretch endlessly beneath you. This was the reality for Maltese mountaineer, Alex Borg, on May 16, 2022, as he became one of the few Maltese to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

Borg’s journey began not on the icy slopes of Everest, but in the warm, sun-kissed streets of Malta. A seasoned mountaineer, he has scaled peaks across Europe, Africa, and Asia. But Everest, the roof of the world, was always his ultimate challenge. “I’ve looked at that peak from afar,” he said, “and I knew one day I’d stand on top of it.”

His training took him from the rocky heights of Dingli Cliffs to the rugged terrain of Comino. He spent months preparing, both physically and mentally, for the grueling task ahead. “Malta’s landscapes might not be as tall as Everest,” he laughed, “but they’ve given me a solid foundation.”

Borg’s Everest expedition was no walk in the park, or even a stroll up the Dingli Cross. It was a grueling, 65-day journey that pushed him to his limits. He faced extreme temperatures, thin air, and treacherous ice. But he also found camaraderie among his fellow climbers, support from his team back home, and moments of profound silence and beauty.

“Reaching Camp IV, at 8,000 metres, was a turning point,” he recalled. “I could see the summit from there. It was daunting, but I knew I could make it.” The final push to the summit took 10 hours. At 6:30 AM, Borg stood on top of the world, a small Maltese flag in his hand, and a sense of awe in his heart.

Borg returned to Malta to a hero’s welcome. His achievement has inspired many, especially the younger generation. “If he can climb Everest, what’s stopping us from reaching our own peaks?” asked 15-year-old Matthew from Birkirkara.

Borg, meanwhile, is already . “Everest was incredible, but there are so many other mountains out there,” he said. “I want to inspire more Maltese to explore the great outdoors, both at home and abroad.” His next challenge? Perhaps K2, the world’s second-highest peak, or a traverse of the Alps.

For now, though, he’s content to be back in Malta, sharing his stories and encouraging others to lace up their boots and hit the trails. “Malta might be small,” he said, “but it’s full of big adventures. You just need to know where to look.”