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What a moment - Katie Partridge at Everest base camp, 17,580ft above sea level

A COURAGEOUS teenager made it halfway up to the top of the world when she embarked on an amazing gap-year adventure.

Katie Partridge, of West Thorpe, Basildon, has just returned from Nepal where she limbered up to the max and scaled 18,000ft up the side of Mount Everest.

The 19-year-old spent three weeks in the Himalayas, trekking all the way up to Mount Everest's base camp, which is at 17,580ft.

She also got to the summit of Everest's neighbouring mountain, Kala Patthar, which towers 18,192ft above sea level.

Although she has no aspirations to risk her life by scaling the summit of Everest which, at 29,000ft above sea level, is the highest mountain in the world, the thrilling experience has left her craving another adrenalin rush.

"It was an amazing thing to do. I can't describe the breathtaking views up there," said Katie.

"I would like to do more mountaineering, but I don't think I could go the whole hog and climb to the top of Everest - although you never know!

"It was so cold and I did have some problems with altitude sickness and lack of oxygen and that was only at the base camp."

Katie, who was part of a guided climbing and tour group, met plenty of friends along the route.

She added: "You don't expect to see many people on Mount Everest, but it was really crowded. When we got to the base camp there were tents everywhere and over 60 climbers waiting to ascend or descend.

"It was a bit of a culture shock to be honest, but it was definitely the trip of a lifetime.

"I'm so pleased I did it and proved to myself that nothing is impossible.

"My friends and family have all been telling me how proud they are of me as well."

Katie is working as a temporary accounts clerk, but will go to East London University in September to study psychology.

She added: "Who knows, maybe I will be back up Mount Everest one day. If I do then it'll definitely be on the summit."

9:08am Friday 9th May 2008

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