The Journey That Changed Me: Edurne Pasaban

The Journey That Changed Me: Edurne Pasaban

Edurne Pasaban made mountaineering history when she became the first woman to undisputedly climb all 14 eight-thousanders - the only mountains in the world above 8,000 m.

She holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Basque Country, a Masters in Human Resources Management from ESADE Business School and is an Associate Professor at the Instituto de Empresa.

Here, Edurne Pasaban tells Atlas & Boots about the journeys that changed her.

Which region or trip impressed you the most?

One of the trips that impacted me the most was my first trip to Nepal and the Himalayas. I was 24 at the time. I went to Nepal to climb an 8,000 meter peak for the first time.

I've climbed in many places around the world - the Alps, the Pyrenees - but making my dream of climbing the Himalayas come true meant a lot to me. I went with my group of friends from my city, the same group that I went climbing with every weekend and on holidays.

How has it changed you?

I could admire the splendor of the Himalayas. After climbing all over the world, at the foot of an 8,000m mountain, I realized how small we are compared to nature, which made me respect it.

After that first time, I have been back to the Himalayas many times and learned a lot after that experience. I have learned to appreciate my life more. Seeing beautiful landscapes made me realize how lucky we are to see such amazing places with our own eyes, and I dream of having a long life to be able to see even more beautiful places.

alt="trip-that-changes-me-Edurne-Pasaban">Edurne PasabanEdurne Pasaban in Nepal

What surprised you about the area?

The hospitality of the people in Nepal surprised me. They don't have much, but they share everything they have with you. They care about you and especially about your smile. We live in a society where we don't often get or see smiles. In places like Nepal, they smile at you all the time.

Have you been back?

I have repeated the trip many times. Since that first time, I have been to Nepal almost every year. I have been there more than 25 times since 1998. It is a place where, even when I don't go climbing, I have to go at least once a year to recharge my batteries; I need to feel the peace that the place and its people convey.

Do you still have a big dream goal that you haven't achieved?

I have a big dream: Antarctica. I would like to cross the pole; to feel the solitude and peace of the white ice shelves in this region.

Travel guide or not travel guide?

Depends on where you're traveling, but if you're traveling to an unfamiliar place, having a guide helps me. I have a large collection of travel guides at home.

Are you a planner or a spectator?

I like to plan things, although sometimes I should be more flexible. As an engineer, I am definitely a planner, and I have found myself applying this to my travels and life. But I can easily adapt to changes.

Hotel or hostel (or camping)?

This depends on the timing and the company you work for–I can stay anywhere. My parents taught me to camp since I was a child. I spent more than three months in a tent in the Himalayas, so I love it. But there are situations in which I value staying in a good hotel or hostel.

What was your most important travel experience?

It is very difficult to choose just one–I have a lot! One of the best travel experiences I have ever had (or rather “trekking experiences”) is trekking to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. It is an incredible place and valley. Not many westerners have arrived yet, so you can feel and see the purest Himalayas.

Keep up with Edurne's explorations at edurnepasaban.com or read her book Tilting at Mountains: Love, Tragedy, and Triumph on the World's Highest Peaks.

Cover photo: Edurne Pasaban

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