Everest: two record-breaking summits in one week. Photo: Sotti CC-BY-SA-3.0
A record-breaking mountaineer has climbed Everest for the 21st time.
USA-based Apa Sherpa was joined on the world’s highest summit yesterday by fellow Eco Everest Expedition members Chris Shumate, Bruno Gemior, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Phurba Sherpa and Arita Sherpa.
Apa, 51, who was born in the Nepalese village of Thame, the birthplace of Everest pioneer Tenzing Norgay, summited at 9.30am local time. His 58-strong expedition went to the area to clear rubbish left by previous climbers and used solar cookers and other ecologically friendly equipment.
Apa began portering for expeditions at the age of 12, following his father’s death, and moved on to high altitude work, making his first successful Everest ascent in 1990. He has led three previous Eco Expeditions.
He moved to the United States so his family could benefit from a better education.
Apa’s Everest ascent came just five days after Kenton Cool’s summit of the mountain, his ninth, and a new record for a Briton.
