Twin sisters from Dehradun who scripted history by conquering Mt Everest are planning to climb the highest peaks in all continents.
After toiling hard for more than two months, Tashi and Nungshi Malik (21) achieved their "life's biggest goal" on the morning of May 19, creating a world record by becoming the first twins to summit the world's highest peak.
"We both want to climb together the seven highest peaks in seven continents. We have already done two peaks and if in case we get funds from our sponsors we would really like to do the remaining five. That would also make a record for first twins to complete all the seven peaks," Tashi Malik told reporters here today.
The duo had scaled Mt Killimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, in February 2012.
The sisters said they had decided to altogether abandon the mission if either one failed to make it.
"This idea came to us as sisters and we planned it that way. The mountain is still there, but I think if my sister wouldn't have made it, I don't think either of us would have climbed," Tashi said.
Both the sisters climbed the Everest with Samina Baig, who became the first Pakistani woman to do so.
"The best thing about the climb was that my sister was with me and we both stepped on the top together. Within me there lot of mixed emotions going on. I was praying for those who could not make to the summit," said Tashi recalling her first reaction on reaching the summit.
The sisters recounted their mission as "adventurous and thrilling". "There were hidden crevices which you don't come to know of. But if you slip in, that the end of you," added Tashi whose name is a Tibetan word that means "Good Luck".
At Camp Four, also known as death zone, Nungshi says they encountered operational difficulties with the oxygen mask. "It was my motivation that kept us both going," Tashi said.
While their mother initially resisted their idea of climbing she eventually relented.
"Our mother was initially against our idea of climbing the Everest. She delayed it for almost three years. Of course she was concerned," Tashi said.
The sisters said that they hoped to "inspire many young people in the country, especially women to achieve greater success in various walks of life."
Nungshi, who is named so after the Manipuri word of love said they want to spread the message of gender equality and planned to climb the highest peaks with the message of "Gender equality- Fight against Female Foeticide".
"Gender equality is one of the one of the most pressing issues needing attention and commitment," she said.
Estimating a cost of Rs 80 lakh to complete their dream of summiting all the peaks, the duo also appealed to "potential sponsors- corporate, government organisation and well wishers to support their cause".
