In 2007, 71 year old Japanese teacher Katsusuke Yanagisawa set the record of the oldest person to climb Mount Everest. That record has been broken last Sunday by 76 year old Bahadur Sherchan, a Nepalese senior citizen. Bahadur Sherchan, few days short of his 77th birthday, returned to the base camp safe and sound on Monday. On Thursday, another Nepalese resident, 47 year old Appa Sherpa set a record for the most ascents of Mount Everest. He broke his own record by climbing Mount Everest for the 18th time.
BBC reports:
A tourism ministry spokesman said Bahadur Sherchan reached the summit on Sunday morning in good health and was set to return to base camp on Monday.
Climbers have been flocking to the mountain since ascents were temporarily halted because of security concerns over the Olympic torch relay.
On Thursday, a record 86 mountaineers reached the 8,850m (29,035ft) summit.
Good weather has also meant favourable climbing conditions.
Nepal is situated on the southern side of the Himalayas which is more popular to the climbers and the month of May is the best time to climb Mount Everest. On the request of the Chinese government, Nepal Government had to impose a ten day ban starting from May 1st.
In his message, Mr. Sherchan, a veteran climber, said that he wanted to inspire his fellow Nepalese pensioners to look for a better life. He further said that he has vigorosity inside him and his life-philosophy and he had commenced the great mission with a great vision in a great season to fight against the mighty Mount Everest with his will-power of his mind and clean energy of his heart.
Related article:
BBC
It is amazing and unbelievable. Being a old enough 76 year old Bahadur Sherchan climb the highest mountain which is located near from Nepal. I think no one can dare to do that work at the middle of age. I would like to give her special thanks for this couragious work. And excited to see who will be the next one to break this record.
Posted by: kamrul hasan | May 30, 2008 1:21 PM | Permalink to Comment