Muscat – Chasing his dream of scaling the Seven Summits, Omani adventurer Khalid bin Said al Anqoodi, 50, scaled the Italian Alps last month.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Anqoodi said he began his ascent on June 13 and reached Torino Hut on June 15 at 10am. “We were a group of mountaineers from several countries, including Bulgaria, Australia and Lithuania.”

Anqoodi informed that he summitted the Italian Alps with the aim of promoting Omani tourism, besides preparing for Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America, which he is planning to scale next year.

To date, Anqoodi has climbed 14 mountains, including three of the Seven Summits – Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Russia and Aconcagua in Argentina. “I am striving to fulfil my dream of scaling the remaining four Seven Summits.”

The Seven Summits are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. Climbing all seven is regarded a mountaineering feat, first achieved by Richard Bass in 1985.

Determination was the key, Anqoodi said, explaining the challenges encountered on his way up the Italian Alps. “The climb was tough as the weather was unpredictable. We walked four to five hours every day for three days to reach the top.”

According to Anqoodi, apart from physical training, mountaineers need to be prepared mentally for such challenges. “We practised walking for about two months, four to five hours daily, to prepare for this climb. We learnt about the topography of the area from the locals.”

Following the Italian Alps, Anqoodi’s list of conquered peaks now include Ararat in Turkey, Toubkal (4,167m) in Morocco, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp Trek (5,364m) in Nepal, Apo (2,954m) in Philippines, Fuji (3,776m) in Japan, Cheget (3,150m) in Russia, Kinabalu (4,095m) in Malaysia, Bromo (3,229m) and Semeru (3,667m) in Indonesia.

Anqoodi, who has visited more than 72 countries, said these journeys help him promote Oman and its tourism potential.