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

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Day 2- Destination Shira










Sunday, June 27th 2010

Left Machame Camp at 9 AM this morning; arrived at Shira Caves by 2 PM. Elevation change: from 3021 Meters to 3839 Meters.

Experienced our first change in vegetation today as the Rainforest made way for stunted, twisted heather bushes. The morning climb, headed north, was rocky & steep as we ascended towards the Shira Plateau. Trekking was a bit slow due to the line of porters (carrying 30Kg plus) already ahead of us. Manged to get our first World-Cup update from a porter ecstatic by Ghana's victory over the U.S. The good news seems to provide an adrenaline boost and makes for interesting climbing conversation.

Morning mist and dense cloud cover has been impeding our view of the Machame Valley, Last nights campsite, and the Tanzanian plains below. A slightly intense climb finally brought us to the days Lunch Stop. Gigantic, hybrid ravens soar the skies here!!

We've arrived safely at Shira Caves- our campsite for the day. The time is 4 PM and the weather is pleasant, allowing clear view of the Kilimanjaro summit. No altitude problems for either of us so far. Mt. Meru is visible to the west, justing out over the horizon and Kilimanjaro's characteristic Obsidian rocks dominates the Shira Plateau ground cover.

I've busted out the GPS and am off to explore the volcanic Shira Caves before sunset. I'll upload pictures tonight. Tomorrows hike is to Barranco Campsite.

Thanks for yr support and for following our blog!!!





Posted by MINHAAL & IMTIAZ'S KILI BLOG at 5:26 PM
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