Haneen’s Journey: Transforming Through the Peaks

Before embarking on her transformative journey, Haneen, a Palestinian living in Dubai, led what most would consider a typical Dubai lifestyle. Her days were filled with dinners, movies, and outings, with hardly any outdoor activities except for the occasional road trip to a glamping spot. However, in the summer of 2021, Haneen’s life took a significant turn when she joined Life Happens Outdoors on a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro.

This journey marked a pivotal moment for Haneen, one that would accelerate her path towards transformation. During this trip, she began to let go of past cultural impositions and move closer to what she believed was her inner calling and her outward expression of that, which may not have aligned with the strict religious interpretations of the culture she was born into. Kilimanjaro, with its daunting heights and breathtaking views, served as the perfect backdrop for Haneen to start redefining her path.

In October of the same year, Haneen returned to Island Peak in the Nepali Himalayas, just adjacent to Mount Everest, accompanied by LHO founder Rami. This was her first long-form big mountain expedition. She showcased remarkable strength during the Everest Base Camp trek, acclimatizing well. However, the real test came during the push to Island Peak’s summit. Battling self-defeating thoughts and focusing on potential failure, Haneen struggled. As her team leader, Rami provided unwavering support, though he pushed her hard at times because he believed in her. Despite separating from the main team, Haneen persevered and reached the summit, not far behind the others. This achievement was a testament to her resilience and determination.

Haneen’s journey did not stop there. She joined LHO’s first expedition to Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, where her journey was documented in “The Summit Within: A Journey to the Furthest Point on Earth.” The summer of 2022 saw her attempt the Mont Blanc summit. However, a slip in the couloir and a seemingly nonchalant approach to the mountain resulted in her being turned around and sent back to the hut. This incident was devastating for Haneen, as it was the first time she was turned around due to factors fully within her control.

The setback had a lasting impact on Haneen, who spent a year without climbing mountains as she contemplated her turnaround and went into those dark spaces in the mind that we sometimes need to visit in order to confront our demons. She eventually came back, her spirit unbroken.

A year later, she returned for the Spaghetti Tour expedition, aiming to climb multiple summits on Monte Rosa. This time, she was much more prepared and serious, successfully summiting seven peaks in four days. Although conditions prevented a second attempt at Mont Blanc, Haneen diverted to climb the Weissmies traverse, where she emerged as the strongest climber on the trip.

During this climb, Rami and Haneen discussed team leadership. Within a few months, Haneen found herself leading a team back to her first big expedition: Island Peak in the Nepali Himalayas. She guided the group to Everest Base Camp and then to the summit of Island Peak with relative ease. Reflecting on her journey, Haneen says, “This is how I serve my country. By showing the world that we can have happy moments. We can have beautiful moments. We can have achievements.”

Haneen’s story is a powerful narrative of personal growth and transformation. From Kilimanjaro to Island Peak, Chimborazo to Weissmies, her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Through her achievements, Haneen not only redefined her own path but also became a beacon of hope and inspiration for her country and beyond.