A Nepali climber became the second person to reach the summit of Mount Everest for the 27th time on Monday, as the race heats up to hold the record for the longest ascent of the world’s highest mountain.
Pasang Dawa Sherpa, 46, became the second person to achieve the record less than a week after 53-year-old climber Kami Rita Sherpa also reached the summit for the 27th time.
“Pasang Dawa Sherpa reached the summit today with Chinese clients. This is his 27th summit,” his expedition organizer, Imagine Nepal Trek and Expedition, told AFP news agency.
Pasang Dawa first reached the summit in 1998 and has climbed the mountain almost every year, including twice in several climbing seasons.
His rival Kami Rita – known as “the Everest man” – is expected to attempt a 28th ascent later this week which will once again give him his own record.
Double amputee climber makes history
Amid the backdrop of world record rivalry, ex-Gurkha veteran Hari Budha Magar also made history as the first above-knee double amputee to climb Mount Everest on Friday.
“I hope my climb will help change the perception of people with disabilities,” Magar told Reuters news agency from Everest Base Camp.
“I want to encourage all people to climb any mountain they want,” he added.
Magar used two prosthetic legs after an IED attack while serving in Afghanistan with the British army in 2010.
He has climbed many major peaks including Ben Nevis in Scotland, Mount Toubkal in Morocco, and Mont Blanc in the European Alps.
However, he has not been able to climb Mount Everest for many years due to a law in Nepal that prevents double buddies from climbing the mountain.
zc/nm (AFP, dpa)
