Johann Peries: Conquering peaks, defying limits

Flying into the mountains on a ski plane

Laned on the glacier

Base camp

By Tania de Silva

Renowned Sri Lankan adventurer Johann Peries, who recently returned from a challenging expedition to Mt. Denali in Alaska, shared his exhilarating mountaineering experiences with the media.

Peries, known for his relentless pursuit of scaling the seven highest peaks on seven continents, discussed his latest adventure, where he joined a team of climbers in an attempt to discover Mt. Denali, the highest peak in North America. Despite being unable to reach the summit due to severe wind and storms,  Peries showcased his unyielding spirit and determination and described the physical challenges he faced on Mt. Denali, emphasising the absence of helpers or support staff. 

The climbers were responsible for carrying their own loads, including heavy backpacks weighing 30-40 pounds, and pulling a sledge with an additional 40 pounds of equipment through harsh weather conditions. He highlighted the gruelling nature of the climb, with no showers for 21 days and the need to bring back everything they carried.

Reflecting on the differences between his successful Mt Everest summit and the recent Mt Denali expedition, Peries acknowledged that the reality of the climb was different from what he had researched and heard about. He expressed gratitude for being unharmed and emphasised the importance of endurance and resilience in the face of unpredictable circumstances. 

Peries also spoke about how the herbal remedy Samahan played a significant role in helping him and his fellow climbers during the expedition.

Expressing his gratitude to his partners and supporters, Peries mentioned the names of organisations that made his Mt. Denali expedition possible, including Link Natural Products, Derana 24/7, Emirates, Hilton Colombo, Petzl, GBPG Group, Kerry Logistics, and GPR. He expressed hope that his mountaineering achievements would inspire more Sri Lankans to engage in physical activities, test their endurance, and pursue their dreams. Looking ahead, Peries eagerly shared his plans for his next expedition, setting his sights on Mt Elbrus in Russia. He mentioned that Mt Elbrus would be a shorter and less challenging climb compared to Mt Denali, providing him with an opportunity to further expand his mountaineering accomplishments.

The media interaction concluded with Peries expressing his overwhelming pride in representing Sri Lanka by unfurling the national flag on the world’s highest peaks. His unwavering determination and undying spirit continue to serve as an inspiration to adventurers and dreamers across the country.