Meet Sondos Jaan, The Saudi Woman Who Just Climbed The Arab World’s Tallest Peak
With no plans of stopping, the 29-year-old is already gearing up for her next adventure
For Madinah-born Sondos Jaan being surrounded by mountains is nothing new. After all, she grew up gazing at the city’s peaks from her window and started participating in the sport at the age of five.
On June 20 the Saudi national, along with her friend, embarked on a journey to conquer the highest peak in the Arab World: Morocco’s Mount Toubkal, which stands at 4,167 metres.
Speaking to Bazaar Arabia Sondos, who works as a tourism marketing professional, revealed that her love for adventure and trekking began at a young age, crediting her father, who was always eager for a trip.
Sondos Jaan, The Saudi Woman Who Just Climbed The Arab World’s Tallest Peak
“There are two ways to climb Mount Toubkal. I chose the harder route because I wanted to test my fitness, as I am also planning to climb Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Russia and Europe, in about two months,” the 29-year-old said.
She began the daring ascent on June 20 and reached the summit on June 21.
“On the first day, I began climbing at 12pm from the village of Imlil in Morocco and reached an altitude of 3300 metres. At 3:00 the next day, I resumed the climb and reached the summit around 8:00 at an altitude of 4167 metres,” she says.
The achievement came with a whirlwind of emotions.
“On a mountain, we experience internal struggles, moments of peace, anger, and fatigue. Each climber’s inner beast emerges in its most vivid form, and they learn how to control and tame it. You’re tired, haven’t eaten well, haven’t slept, you’re exerting high physical effort, there’s a lack of oxygen, and you have a headache.”
“There are also moments of regret, when you think to yourself: ‘Why did I choose this hardship when I was so comfortable?’ But the moment you reach the summit, everything makes sense, and it all becomes worth the effort,” she proudly said.
After spending an hour at the summit and soaking in the breathtaking views of central Morocco, the two decided to begin their descending journey.
Honouring her father’s teachings, Sondos has already taken a number of trips this year, exploring the world one country at a time.
Earlier in 2024, the avid traveller was in Vietnam, kayaking her way between its magnificent limestone rock formations.
Around the same time, she was also seen enjoying the serene landscapes of the Swiss alps.
She’s also not new to mountain climbing as in December 2023, Sondos proudly posted a picture trekking in Nepal to Mount Everest’s Base Camp at 5360 metres.
Every time she meets a personal goal, she fondly dedicates it to her father.
Speaking about her inspiration, she said, “With every summit I climb since his passing, I feel his spirit accompanying me. My dear father was the first adventurer I ever knew and the greatest of them all.”
Sondos began the activity when she was only five. “He knew how deeply I was drawn to mountains. Every time we went out, I would find a mountain to climb, and he would come to help me. He taught me where to place my feet with each step, how to identify stable rocks, and avoid serious injuries,” she said.
More on women who’re trailblazing in the mountain climbing world…
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