From Baysour to the Caucasus, a Lebanese climber pushes national ambitions to new heights.
From Mount Lebanon to the Roof of Europe
Lebanese climber Hamadeh Malaeb, originally from the town of Baysour in the Aley district, has successfully reached the summit of Mount Elbrus in Russia. Standing at 5,642 metres above sea level and located in the western Caucasus range, Elbrus is widely recognised as the highest peak in Europe and a coveted objective for serious mountaineers.
Building on Kilimanjaro Success
Malaeb’s achievement on Elbrus comes after his earlier ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres. The two climbs, completed in challenging conditions with extremely low temperatures and thin air, underscore his commitment to high-altitude mountaineering and show that Lebanese athletes can set ambitious goals far from home.
Harsh Conditions, High Motivation
Elbrus is a dormant volcano where summer temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius and winter conditions can approach minus 40, with strong winds and complex glacier terrain. For Malaeb, overcoming these obstacles was as much a mental test as a physical one, demanding patience, careful pacing, and strict attention to safety.
His ascent offers a powerful story of perseverance for Lebanese youth, proving that it is possible to aim for international summits—literal and metaphorical—even in difficult times at home.
Leave a Reply