A friend describes it as Type 2 Fun. Enjoyment you receive after the event, a satisfaction which lasts much longer and feels much better than just instant pleasure.
The satisfaction comes from accomplishing things previously thought impossible, providing instant reassurance of progress.
Rather than simply conquering mountains, the real value is experiential. Discovering new places and skills, personal development, the constant process of learning.
Climbing partners develop unique bonds based on trust and mutual respect. Shared experiences in serious environments create lasting connections that are hard to replicate elsewhere.
These pursuits provide purpose for exploration and opportunities to encounter different cultures and perspectives. Suffering is not the objective, but hardship during expeditions paradoxically enhances overall satisfaction and the sense of achievement.
Risk is inherent but must be identified, minimised and controlled.
The combined rewards, experience, relationships, adventure, challenge, beauty and progression, justify the investment in training, suffering and accepting risks.