KATHMANDU: Born and raised in Eastern Anatolia, a rugged and mountainous region in eastern Turkey known for its harsh winters and the majestic Mount Ararat, Emine Cakir has been drawn to the mountains since childhood. These towering peaks have always held a deep, almost spiritual meaning for her-symbols of strength, challenge, and connection to nature.

'My true passion ignited in 2010, when at 25 years old, I climbed Mount Ararat,' she said while sharing her thoughts with THT. Though she was ill-prepared, reaching the Ararat summit gave her a profound realization: she felt so small beneath the vastness of the mountain, yet at the same time, she felt immense-as if she was not just standing on the mountain but was part of it. 'The mountain was big, but I was big too, connected as one with nature. This awakened a deep sense of unity and possibility within me,' she shared.

Soon after, she moved to Austria and fell in love with the Alps. Her passion took her across continents-from climbing in Peru and Bolivia in South America to conquering Africa's Kilimanjaro in 2021. 'Yet, the mountains kept calling me,' she said.

In 2023, Emine embarked on her first high-altitude adventure at Lenin Peak (7,134m). 'There, I met the Sherpas of Nepal and connected with Pemba Jangbu Sherpa, owner of I AM Treks and Expedition in Kathmandu. Inspired by their wisdom and spirit, I visited Nepal and found a new home among the Himalayas,' she said.

In 2024, Emine made a bold decision to quit her teaching job and pursue climbing full-time-a difficult choice financially but one that her soul demanded. 'That autumn, I spent over three months in Nepal, summiting Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Ama Dablam,' she shared.

This year, Emine reached a major milestone: she successfully summited Manaslu (8,163m), her first 8,000-meter peak. The climb was both thrilling and humbling. Changing weather conditions and constant avalanches tested our team, reshaping the landscape and reminding us of nature's unpredictable power. Yet, through expert guidance from her Sherpa, Nima Tendi Sherpa-who has summited 8,000-meter mountains 15 times-her team stayed strong and safe. 'Manaslu, the 'mountain of souls,' welcomed me in a way that words cannot fully express. Standing there, I felt deeply that we are loved, life will carry us, and we are never truly alone,' she said. According to Pemba Jangbu, Emine is probably the first Kurdish woman to climb the world's 8,000m peak.

Emine also believes she is the first Kurdish woman to reach the summit of an 8,000-meter peak. 'But for me, climbing is more than achievements or records-it is a spiritual journey,' she quipped. 'The mountains teach us patience, respect, and resilience. They remind us that nature's power is beyond human control; it is the mountains themselves that allow us to climb them.'

Looking ahead, Emine hopes to attempt Everest next year. While the financial challenges are significant, her love for the mountains and the lessons they offer continue to guide her forward.