“The Mighty Mountain Allowed Me To Set Record”

Appa Sherpa

APPA SHERPA , who set a new record on Everest climbing by reaching the top of the world fifteen times, comes from a Sherpa family of Solukhumbu region. Sherpa, 48, is still undecided whether he will make another effort to climb Everest. Just after his arrival from Everest, Sherpa, who began his career back in 1987 spoke to media persons at Tribhuwan International Airport . Before him, Ang Rita Sherpa had world record of climbing the Everest 11 times. Father of two sons and two daughters, Appa was born in Namche of Solukhumbu district. Excerpts of encounter with Sherpa:

How do you feel as a person with the world record of Everest climbing?

I am quite happy that I set a new record. As a mountaineer, it is just common for me. I was grown up in the shadows of Mount Everest listening to many things about the Everest. The mighty mountain allowed me to set record.

Some say climbing Everest is easier than climbing other mountains. What do you say?

Climbing any mountain is a challenging job in itself. You can be killed any time as the weather; climate and geography are hostile. Of course, many climbers have set records but climbing Mt. Everest is still difficult. Since many climbers have already reached the top of the world, the routes are definitely easier there. Expedition involves so many things including money, physical strength and good weather. If you see this year’s case, we had to wait for 40 days at the Base Camp for a suitable climate to climb.

Do you have any plan now to climb again?

I have not decided yet whether to attempt again or not. I will announce my decision on appropriate time. I am still physically fit to climb the Everest. I don’t have any other problem.

What is your purpose of climbing?

Every Sherpa has a purpose to conquer the Mt. Everest , a mighty mountain and I, too, have inner desire to climb it. Each time when I lead the expedition team, it is my duty to help team members to reach the top of the world. In that process, I also get opportunity to reach the summit.

What is your memorable event this time when you reached the top of the world?

I was very happy when a strong wind hit me at the summit. I could imagine that I was in heaven.

Do you have plans to train your children to be good climbers?

The first priority of my children is to study. To give education to the children is the important priority of parents. I am also offering good schooling to my children. After completion of education, it is up to them to decide whether to continue the education or join mountaineering. I would be happy if my off springs follow my footsteps after completing their education.

What do you expect from the state?

I climbed Everest putting my life in danger. I am doing all my efforts to enhance the glory of nation. It is up to the government to decide how they want to recognize my achievement. I don’t have any demand.

What to do you suggest for making the expeditions more effective?

There are a few steps that need to be taken. First step should be to appoint experienced persons in mountaineering as liaison officers. If there are experienced liaison officers, they will be helpful at the time of crises. Most of the liaison officers appointed now are inexperienced and they are always vulnerable to high altitude sickness. Most of the liaison officers stay below the base camp.

Which mountain did you climb first?

I first climbed Annapurna mountain and went up to 7,400 meters height then. Between 1987 to 1989, my four expeditions failed. I also abandoned my expedition to Dhaulagiri same year. My first successful climbing was atop the peak of Mt. Cho Oyu , which I successfully climbed in 1990. Same year, I reached the top of the world. In 1992, I climbed Everest twice. I began my mountaineering career back in 1978 as a porter.

What was your motive when you decided to involve in the mountaineering?

I joined mountaineering to feed my family. In earlier stage, I worked as a porter. Later on, I realized that there were many more possibilities.

How do you see the overall situation in the country?

With the intensification of the insurgency, tourism industry is badly hurt - particularly the trekking business. I am happy to say that expedition is still surviving. Because of bad publicity, many groups canceled their trips to Nepal . Peace is still prevalent in Himalayan areas and we must carry the positive message to the world.