Sano Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa were named the People’s Choice Adventurers of the Year by National Geographic back in 2012. The title, which is awarded to those outstanding individuals who have made remarkable achievements in exploration, conservation, and adventure sports, was won by the extreme adventure duo for their Ultimate Summit to Sea Descent expedition: Climb Everest, paraglide down from the summit, and then kayak to the Indian Ocean.

If you’d heard about their story before, good. But if you haven’t seen them undertaking such a daring expedition, then here’s how the two brave Nepalis did so undercover without permits, money or any high-altitude climbing experience. They definitely deserve our salutation for their true spirit of adventure.