Appa conquers Mt. Everest for 19th times, breaks his own record

Kosh Raj Koirala – Asian Tribune Correspondent in Nepal

Kathmandu, 22 May, (Asiantribune.com): The mountaineering legend Appa Sherpa on Thursday made it to the top of the Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, for a record 19th time, breaking his own record of 18th ascent last year.

Appa, 49, reached the top of the Everest at about 8 am local time, leading Eco Everest Expedition 2009. He stayed on the top for 30 minutes, according to officials with Asian Trekking that organized the expedition.

Appa has been climbing the peak for social cause.

While he scaled the peak last year to raise funds for a school in Thame, this year he conquered it for raising awareness on climate change and global warming. Appa placed WWF banner that reads "Stop Climate Change, Let Himalayas Live" atop the Everest.

Appa had left for the summit on April 6.

Despite being an experience climber, the 19th summit was not easy for Appa and his expedition.

The expedition was struck by tragedy on May 7 when a Lhakpa Nuru, a fellow climber, died in an avalanche. Likewise, two team members gave up their hopes for summit two days ago as they were taken into illness.

Worse still, this climbing season witnessed worst weather condition ever, forcing many climbers to give up their hopes for summit. Appa too was forced to retreat to Lobuche on May 13 due to unfavorable weather condition.

Appa has been scaling the 8,848-meter tall peak almost every year after his first successful ascent in 1990.

- Asian Tribune -