Hey Everyone,

We are climbing-up so that kids with HIV & AIDS can grow-up but we need your help!!

This June my brother Minhaal and I will be attempting to summit the snow draped slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Standing at an altitude of 19,340ft, Kilimanjaro is recognized as one of the seven continental giants and is the tallest free standing mountains in the world. It’s a definite must do for anyone claiming the status of a mountaineering enthusiast.

Our arduous but awe-inspiring climb is dedicated towards a crucial mission. In partnership with Peak 4 Poverty- a nonprofit organization that strives to uplift and eradicate the vicious cycle of poverty and AIDS in Tanzania- we have set a goal of raising $5,004. The funds raised will solely be used to provide education, healthcare, and nutrition support to six orphanages and schools in the region.

Approximately 22.5 million people are currently living with HIV & AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa making it the most infected region in the world. In Tanzania alone, there are roughly 1.4 million people suffering from the AIDS virus. Furthermore, according to a 2008 report by the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, there are on average 1 million children in Tanzania under the age of 17 that are orphans due to the AIDS pandemic.

We humbly appeal for participation in helping us achieve this monumental goal. Together we can empower these orphaned children to escape the self perpetual AIDS & poverty cycle, and achieve economic self sufficiency.

I’ll be providing a live blog of our climbing progress on a daily basis (if it’s possible) so that you all can walk this journey with us.

Thank-you for your prayers & support!

With Regards,

Imtiaz-Ali Kalyan

Monday, June 28, 2010

Day 3- Trek High, Sleep Low


Monday June 28th, 2010.

Left Shira Caves at 8:45 AM this morning and arrived at Barranco by 4:30 PM. Elevation change: 3839 Meters to 3986 Meters.

Oh boy...today's been rough!! The first half of the day involved a steady climbing up to 4500 Meters where we stopped for lunch. Minhaal went further up to Lava Tower at 4627 Meters. The trail then plateaus for about 30 min before dropping south westwards towards Barranco.

I've developed altitude sickness overnight, and a weak stomach won't let me hold-in any kind of nourishment. It's completely normal and should subside eventually (within a day or so) so I'm not too worried.

We've trekked roughly 10 Km today, steadily moving from Kilimanjaro's western slope towards its southern slope. Its been a steady climb through the dry, boulder-strewn Shira Plateau. The vegetation has significantly declined to resemble the moon's landscape. The weathers been great allowing for clear views of the summit. Got my first taste of the real Kilimanjaro Spring water on our way down to Barranco... no need for the Gatorade shots anymore!!

Tomorrow's hike to Barafu kicks-off with a near vertical scramble up the Great Barranco Wall. Getting on all fours for this climb should be fun...I'm looking forward to it!!
Posted by MINHAAL & IMTIAZ'S KILI BLOG at 5:33 PM

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