Yandy Núñez: the first Cuban who could climb Mount Everest

April 4, 2021

His name is familiar to us. In 2019 Yandy Núñez made headlines when he placed the Cuban flag at the summit of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America. Now he's back in the headlines with the beginning of his new and biggest adventure: the ascent of Mount Everest.

With a post on his Facebook wall, "the Cuban mountaineer" —as he is known— announced his expedition. "I swear that I will place our flag the Cuban Flag at the highest point in the world," he wrote along with some images.

In addition to Aconcagua, the Cuban had already completed other impressive climbs. Among them Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters) and Pico de Orizaba (5,636), the highest peaks in Europe and Mexico. According to his statement, this has been part of his preparation for Everest. If he conquers its 8,848 meters, Yandy would be the first Cuban to ascend the mountain, considered among the deadliest in the world.

What risks will Yandy Núñez face in his ascent of Everest?
Everest is the highest mountain above sea level. It officially measures 8,848 m, just a couple hundred meters less than the altitude at which a commercial airplane flies.
Generally, it can only be ascended for two weeks each year. In May and November weather conditions usually improve and facilitate climbing.
Although there are 18 routes to ascend Everest, only two are commonly used. These are the southeast ridge of Nepal and the north ridge of Tibet. Since weather conditions are generally adverse, during "climbing season" queues can form on both routes. We don't know which one Yandy Núñez will choose.
The air at the summit of Everest has three times less oxygen than at sea level. From 8,000 meters onwards (the so-called "death zone"), climbers use oxygen bottles.
There is a tradition of asking the gods for protection before the climb. For this, a ceremony is performed at base camp with two or more Buddhist monks.