Zero to 8848

Nepal's renowned journalist Prem Baniya has a dream to establish the world's shortest route from zero elevation to the top of the world Mt. Everest, standing tall at 8848 Meters. This exciting dream is all about establishing yet undiscovered route highlighting Nepal's stunning landscapes, exploring vibrant culture, and the deep feeling of traveling through all the elevations, all within one country. His adventure kicks off at Kachankawal, Jhapa which is 58 meters above sea level and the lowest point of Nepal. From here, he began his journey to the magnificent hills and Himalayas, where the path creates feelings and meanings that go beyond just the physical climb. This documentary of discovery tries to establish a new route which starts from Kechankawal Kanyam Shree Antu Dhankuta Namje Hile Bhojpur Khotang Okhaldhunga Salleri Pattle Bupsa Thamdada Surke Phakding Manjo Namche Bazar Khumjung Tengboche Dingboche Lobuche Gorakshep Kalapatthar Everest Base Camp Camp I Camp II Camp III Camp IV (South Col) Hillary Step and the Summit 8848 Meters (29029 feet). The entire route spans approximately 766 KM (476 Miles) and it requires around 90 days continuous travel to complete. Prem's journey explores Nepal's rich tapestry of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and his own search for purpose. From the flat Terai to the rolling hills and into the towering Himalayas, he encounters divers ethnic communities, languages, traditions, arts, architecture, and experiences the warmth of local hospitality As Prem travels, he stumbles upon Pushkar Shah, a world-renowned cyclist, Everest summiteer and author. Pushkar joins the journey, brings his experiences, thoughts, and memories of borders and mountains. Expedition manager Gobinda Gurung teamed up with guide Ang Pasang Sherpa, a three-time Everest summiteer. The higher they climbed, the stronger their bond, now driven by one shared mission. On the way to Namche, Prem befriends a stray dog who begins following him loyally. He names him Zero; symbolizing both; the start of the journey and the idea that a name just a name, It doesn't really matter. Their bond grows deep and pure but tragedy strikes when Zero is attacked by a group of local stray dogs. Heartbroken. Prem hands Zero to a family who promises to care for him. Zero's departure becomes an emotional turning point of relationship, responsibility, and acceptance woven into the journey. Prem's journey becomes more than a geographic path, a metaphor for human life and a symbol of the numbers in life. As we all start our lives from zero at birth and we all carry our dreams to rise high and achieve the success. It is a universal truth that every one of us wishes to summit our own version of 8848, the success of dreams and determination. As we ascend, this documentary reveals the far reaching and complex effects of climate change on our lives. In Khumjung, Pushkar gets altitude sickness, and has to go down. The separation is very painful, like a part of the dream has been lost. But Prem pushes forward, fueled by determination and a sense of calling. Shortly after, the team crosses paths with Pasang Tendi Sherpa a living legend, 16 times Everest summiteer and international mountain guide, making his way to Base Camp. His presence inspires confidence. With Pasang Tendi, Ang Pasang, and their unwavering support, Prem feels a surge of renewed energy. For the first time, the dream doesn't feel as insurmountable as he once imagined. About six months before, his adventure began with training alongside Conrad Anker, a renowned climber, author, and trainer, in Telluride. This experience highlights Prem's strength and courage as he continued his acclimatization by trekking in Dingboche. But the Himalaya has its own script. Just as Prem crosses Everest Base Camp, his body gives out, unable to withstand the altitude. He collapses and loses consciousness, requiring urgent rescue. The camera stops not because the story ends, but because nature has made its judgment. Prem's personal climb comes to a sudden, heartbreaking halt. Yet his dream does not vanish. With Prem's vision in his heart, Pasang Tendi Sherpa determines to carry Prem's dream and the promise to continue climbing higher and to take the flags at the summit. For over a month, while Prem recovers and watches anxiously from afar, Pasang Tendi faces the toughest climbing conditions on Earth. In parallel, the team explores another dimension of the dream: establishing a true "Zero" in Nepal. Dr. Ranjan Kumar Dahal, a professor and geologist, confirms that digging 58 meters below Kachankawal is geologically feasible, symbolically allowing Nepal to own a complete route with all the elevations Zero to 8848, unmatched by any country in the world. After weeks of hard work, Pasang Tendi has finally made it to the top of world Sagarmatha 8848 meters, and he's sending a shoutout to his friend Prem and everyone else: "Dear Prem, I've finally reached the peak of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). After many days of difficulties and hard work, I have successfully reached the top of Everest. Today I have climbed summit, most importantly to fulfill your dream and our country's dream. I am proud to have done so. I am also honored to wave this flag of Zero to 8848, at the peak. I am very-very happy and feeling very proud doing this. I am happy to represent our country in this unique way. Dear Prem, many-many congratulations to you. Congratulations to our nation and to all Nepalese. Thank You." The dream is real. The route is possible. And Nepal's story is bigger than its mountains.