Utah resident Apa Sherpa to make 20th Everest ascent
Apa Sherpa atop Mount Everest. Photo: Apa Sherpa
Apa Sherpa holds the world record for summiting Mount Everest an incredible 19 times. This May, he’ll go for number 20.
Apa, originally from Thame, Nepal, now lives in Draper with his wife and children. He moved to Utah in 2006 to live with his business partner, Jerry Mika, after they founded the company Sherpa Adventure Gear, and so his kids could get a better education.
However, living in Utah hasn’t stopped Apa from climbing Everest as he returns to Nepal every year to make the ascent. He no longer climbs in the role of Sherpa or guide, but now stands on top of the world to raise awareness about causes he believes in, such as global warming, and the needs of the Sherpa people, especially education.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, number 20 may be his last, although he won’t be making that decision until after he is back home safe in Draper. But now that he’s in his 50s, Apa admitted that his last climb up the 29,035 foot mountain made him, “a little sore.”
For more information, you can read the Salt Lake Tribune’s article.
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