Seven Summits, Three Poles, one Ocean and one Desert: Lebanese explorer Maxime Chaya has achieved what the majority can only ever dream of. In May 2006, he became the first Lebanese to climb Mount Everest, completing the Seven Summits. He then skied to the North and South Pole, thereby achieving the Explorers’ Grand Slam; an elite group of people to accomplish such an incredible feat. In this exclusive interview, he shares his journey from finance to the world’s highest peaks, his relationship with Lebanon and what motivates him.

How did you get to where you are today?

I was born and raised in Lebanon. I’m someone who was always fond of sports, especially competitive sports. However, at the age when I was meant to compete, my country was at war. So, I was never able to express myself through sports as much as I would have wanted to. This burning passion stayed with me.

Then one day, after winning an international bike race in Kenya, Africa, I was invited to climb a nearby mountain: Kilimanjaro. I accepted the challenge, and that was a real turning point. Indeed, after climbing the 5,895 meters of Kilimanjaro, which was my first big summit, I discovered a new Max, someone who had more potential than I gave myself credit for. Shortly after the experience, I learned that Kilimanjaro was one of the Seven Summits — the highest mountain on each continent. So, remembering my earlier years in Lebanon, where I was not able to achieve as much as I’d liked to, and finding out that there were only around 54 people that had conquered the Seven Summits, I decided to give it a go. I knew there would be many obstacles, but obstacles were made to overcome. Let’s be honest, us Lebanese are experts at surmounting the greatest of challenges.

How did it feel to conquer the Seven Summits?

I felt proud of myself, and the experience reinforced the fact that I could have become a professional athlete if circumstances were different. More importantly, my country, Lebanon, was always seen in a bad light on the news, so I thought I would show it in a positive way. Planting the Lebanese flag on each summit was hugely symbolic, especially on Everest. It had never been done before. I guess it was my small way of honoring a country I love and showing the world who we are here.

Is there a quote or text that inspired you?

Gibran Khalil Gibran has many wonderful quotes, but the one that struck a chord, especially after my return from Everest, is: “And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.”

I also believe in the philosophy that you learn more from your failures than successes.

Apart from the mountaineering feats, what are some of your other notable achievements?

I have skied to both poles, twice. The “all the way” South Pole adventure took place in 2007/2008, and we were on the ice for 49 days. The North Pole “all the way” was intense, and by the far the hardest challenge back then. The whole journey took 53 days and was quite dangerous. Having made it to both poles, and since Everest is considered the Third Pole, I succeeded in the Three-Pole challenge.

Later, I discovered ocean rowing. I bought an 8.5m row boat and found two companions to row with me from Western Australia to Africa. We must have been mad! It took 57 days, 15 hours, 49 minutes, and we set a New Guinness World speed Record.

Cycling is another passion. In 2016, and again in 2022, I cycled across the barren Empty Quarter of the Arabian Desert. Both times were with my friend and teammate Steve Holyoak from the UK. We pedaled for 21 days from Abu Dhabi to Salalah in 2016. Then, in 2022, we cycled from Jeddah to Muscat. This journey took 33 days, 22 of which were spent inside the Empty Quarter, alone. Just the two of us. I guess you could say that I am in love with the desert.

I also enjoy bikejoring, which is a sport where your dog runs in front of your mountain bike, effectively pulling it. My dog, Pepper, and I love it.

What would surprise people about you?

We are all adventurers, but it’s true that I became an adventurer slightly later in life. Due to the civil war in Lebanon, I went to school in Lebanon and abroad — Canada, the UK, France and Greece — and ended up studying monetary economics at the London School of Economics. After finishing university, I worked in the financial world for some time. One day, I was at Republic National Bank in New York, and it was a snowy day. I was in the trading room surrounded by all sorts of (now meaningless) screens, while the phones ringing. Looking down from the window, I saw someone jogging in the snowy Public Library park. It was then that I realized that’s where I wanted to be.

Another thing that may surprise people is that I write books. I’ve published a big coffee-table book titled “Steep Dreams, My Journey to the Top of the World.” The book ends when I make it to the top of Everest. After that, with publishers A. Hachette, I created a comic book series called “Maximum Max.” I’m actually now finalizing volume three of the series to be published this end of year season. Although I am very involved in the making of it, I have incredible support: Ivan Debs is the brilliant illustrator and talented scenarist Ralph Doumit is adding some fiction to the storyline. It will be about my adventures to the South Pole and North Pole. In addition, there’s another book in the making. It’s about “RIO: Rowing the Indian Ocean,” which charts a real adventure. The book will be accompanied by a 47-minute movie. So there’s a lot going on!

What does Lebanon mean to you?

Lebanon is my country. I have two other nationalities, but I choose to live here. This place is unlike anywhere else; the fact that we have the Mediterranean, adjacent 3,000-meter peaks, four seasons, mouthwatering food, unrivaled joie de vivre and so much more make it a real jewel in this big world of ours. There are negatives, like everywhere I suppose, but you have to take the bad with the good.

What recommendations do you have for those wanting to explore Lebanon?

Lebanon has so much to offer. Back in 2009, Steve and I cycled the LMT (Lebanon Mountain Trail) in six days. It is designed for trekking, but we didn’t have time. We had an amazing crossing, exploring the towns, villages and guesthouses. Extending almost 500 kilometers from the north to the south of the country, it is perfect for those who like to hike. In the winter, there are the peaks of Qornet el Sawda, Sannine, Barouk, Kneisse and so many others for lovers of snow and winter sports, and those seeking a mountain adventure.

What’s your top tip for tourists coming to the country?

This really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a foodie, you won’t be disappointed, and the nightlife is epic if that’s what you like. My advice would be to go the mountains, specifically the cedar forests like Barouk Cedar Reserve. These majestic millenary Cedar trees give me goosebumps and typify the Lebanese identity.

What’s your next big project?

I’m currently training for a big race I’ve been invited to in Namibia. It is called the Desert Dash. Other than that, next winter I will either organize a backcountry ski race in Lebanon (fingers crossed), and/or I’ll be biking across frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia, South to North. Let’s see what the times bring!

If you enjoyed this article on Maxime Chaya, read our interview with Lebanese sprinter Aziza Sbaity.