APES journalist reaches the summit of the world

Long-time APES member Julia Lyubova, who lives in Zermatt, is used to scaling peaks, but has just reached the top of Everest, the ultimate summit.

On May 15, 2025, she reached the top of the world’s highest mountain and dedicated her climb to the Sherpa people who guide people to Everest’s peak, saying, “No Sherpa. No summit!”.

After reaching the top, the smiles do not show the grit and determination Julia needed to get there.

“It was a real battle, a cold and very windy fight for 15 hours, a journey of pushing my limits to the max, surviving and somehow overcoming every obstacle in my head.  But we did it, together! A dream come true for me!” Julia told APES from Nepal.

Julia, of Russian parentage, grew up in the United Kingdom, works in television for the Chinese network CGTN, and contributes to the UK outlet LBC and Deutsche Welle.