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

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Day 4-"The Mountains are Calling..."

Tuesday June 29th, 2010

Elevation Gain: 3986 Meters to 4662 Meters
Woke up to a beautiful mountain sunrise at Barranco. After a big, hearty breakfast, we had everything packed and were immediately climbing the vertical Barranco Wall. Some sections required hauling your self up with both hands and careful footwork on ledges. Kilimanjaro's Southern Icefield glaciers-Heim, Kersten and Decken-have been bordering us to the left.

Everyones spirits are positive as we've finally arrived at Barafu Base camp. The time is about 4:30 PM and and the temp is freezing up here. The wind chill factor make it difficult to stand outside for long. I've still got mild altitude sickness but am generally feeling alot better today.

We've got to eat and rest-up for the final summit push tonight. Dinner will be served at 6PM. We'll then be woken up at 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits/cookies and then, it's game time as we make for the Kibo Summit at midnight with the aid of headlamps and/or flashlights. The plan is to reach Uhuru peak by sunrise, take pics and then make it back here by 1 PM, rest for about 2 hrs, before proceeding further down to Mweka Camp for the last night. Roughly 14 hrs of hiking.

That's all for now...keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'll update the blog tomorrow or day after.

"The Mountains are now calling and I must go."
John Muir
Posted by MINHAAL & IMTIAZ'S KILI BLOG at 5:34 PM

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