KATHMANDU: Bangladeshi mountaineer and UNDP Youth Advocate Ikramul Hasan Shakil has successfully scaled Mt Everest after walking more than 1,300 kilometres from Cox’s Bazar to the base of the world’s highest peak, completing his extraordinary 'Sea to Summit' expedition in just 84 days.

Shakil, 31, reached the 8,848.86-metre summit at 6:30 AM on Monday, May 19 (Nepali time), according to Lakpa Sherpa, Expedition Leader and Managing Director at 8K Expeditions, which managed his climb.

The journey began on February 25 from Inani Beach on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Cox’s Bazar. Along the way, Shakil swam 3 kilometres across the Jamuna River, trekked across diverse terrain, and crossed national borders before beginning his ascent to Everest.

“This historic achievement makes Shakil a living link between the ocean depths and Himalayan heights,” said the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka in a congratulatory message.

Shakil was accompanied to the summit by seasoned climber Tashi Gyaljen Sherpa, who is attempting four Everest ascents in a single season.

Through this ambitious journey, Shakil aimed to raise awareness about plastic pollution, environmental conservation, and sustainable living practices. Inspired by Australian mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape, who pioneered the first 'Sea to Summit' expedition in 1990, Shakil plans to apply for a Guinness World Record for his own version of the feat.

“This expedition is not just about reaching the top of the world, but about reminding us of our responsibility to protect the Earth—from sea to summit,” Shakil said after his climb.