CAPIZ – A 37-year-old mountaineer from Pontevedra, Capiz has made history as the first Capisnon to reach Everest Base Camp and successfully summit Island Peak in Nepal.
Ace Ar B. Dapat, a native of Barangay Sublangon, Pontevedra, reached the summit of Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level on October 9, 2026.
His Himalayan expedition began on September 22, when he arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal, for preparations before embarking on the challenging climb.
On September 27, Dapat flew to Lukla Airport, a gateway to the Everest region, before proceeding on foot through the rugged terrain of the Khumbu region.
After seven days of trekking, he reached Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) on October 4.
Five days later, he and his climbing team pushed through icy and snow-covered terrain to reach Island Peak’s summit.
Located near Mount Everest in the Himalayas, Island Peak is a popular destination for mountaineers seeking experience in technical glacier and ice climbing.
The mountain, whose snow-covered formation resembles an island surrounded by a vast sea of snow when viewed from certain vantage points, is also known as Imja Tse.
Dapat’s achievement capped more than 13 years of mountaineering experience. During the expedition, he faced extreme subzero temperatures, dense fog that reduced visibility, and hazardous crevasses across glaciated terrain.
He credited discipline, rigorous physical training and mental fortitude for helping him navigate the challenges of the expedition.
Following the successful ascent of Island Peak, Dapat and his team are setting their sights on an even greater challenge: reaching the summit of Mount Everest.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for Capiz, highlighting the determination and perseverance of a homegrown mountaineer on one of the world’s most challenging mountain ranges./PN
