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Published on September 17, 2007

No, the expert on reproductive health hasn't started sniffing glue. He's taking a trip up the highest road on earth, in Ladakh, India.

His patients know that when Pansak goes on holiday to recharge his batteries, that mobile phone is going to be switched off.

And this trip is extra special: He's celebrating his 70th birthday. "My patients say if I don't go now I might not make it later," the doctor laughs.

It's seasoned company he's travelling with: about 10 people ranging in age from 50 to 70. "We're collectively hundreds of years old," the gynaecologist says, still chuckling. He's expecting quite a "climax". (He really said that.)

It's in the nature of man to tackle big challenges, he believes. "In my mind it's like I'm going where no man has gone before."

This trek isn't going to be showing up in the Guinness Book of Records, but Pansak says he might just organise a second ascent sometime and take along as many of his patients as he can muster.

That way, between their pooled lofty ages in the high altitude and their sheer numbers, there might be a record to break way up in Ladakh.