The quest to climb Hkakabo Razi in the remote area of northern Myanmar was conceived by Hilaree O’Neill and Mark Jenkins and their yearning for an “anti-Everest” expedition. In the fall of 2014, Hilaree O’Neill, the expedition leader, and Mark Jenkins, Cory Richards, Renan Ozturk, and Emily Harrington set out to climb this formidable peak and determine whether it is the highest peak in Southeast Asia by standing on top with a GPS. What followed was a demanding journey full of setbacks that would push these five climbers to their limits emotionally, physically, and mentally. Hear Hilaree O’Neill talk about this epic expedition and being taken to “the point of no return.”
Part 1 of 3: Hilaree O’Neill talks about the team facing a ride on the “death train,” town arrest, and dense jungle on their journey to the base of Hkakabo Razi to begin their climb.
Watch Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByS9ScrCXVY
Watch Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEZuZLwEHCg
For more on the expedition, watch “Explorer: Point of No Return” Sunday, May 1, on the National Geographic Channel: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/explorer/episodes/point-of-no-return/
Read the full-length article about the climb online in National Geographic magazine: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/09/hkakabo-razi-climb/jenkins-text
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http://www.hilareeoneill.com
The National Geographic Live series brings thought-provoking presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, photographers, and performing artists right to you. Each presentation is filmed in front of a live audience at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. New clips air every Monday.