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'Apa', often erroneously referred to as 'Apa Sherpa' or 'Lhakpa Tenzing Sherpa', is a Nepali sherpa. He was born between 1960 - 1962, in the village of Thame, Nepal. Apa himself is not sure, as Sherpas do not take strict records of birth dates. He has only the one name, Apa[1], but western media often give him additional names.

Contents

Background

Achievements

External links

Background

Apa grew up in the foothills of Everest, and began carrying equipment and supplies for trekkers and mountaineers at an early age.
At the age of 27, during the summer season of 1988 he married Yang Chi, also from the Thame area with whom he soon had their first son, Tenzing Zangbu. He has a total of four children.
Apa's first attempt at Everest ended unsuccessfully in 1988, the combination of inexperience, lack on knowledge of the route, and bad weather forced him to turn back at 8,500 meters. He would attempt 2 more times both unsuccessful
Apa's first successful climb of Mount Everest was completed on May 10th 1990 with a New Zealand Team led by the experienced climber Rob Hall. This was his 4th overall attempt. He then began an illustrious career as Sirdar or chief Sherpa, for many high altitude expeditions. In his 17 summits of Mt. Everest, Apa is now regarded as the most expert high altitude climber in the world. He has received medals of honor from the King of Nepal, a Guinness World Record, and other honors.
In December 2006 Apa moved with his family to Draper, Utah in the USA. His reason for moving is to provide his children a good education. A few of his American friends assisted greatly in his move to Utah. Apa will work at a local outdoor clothing store and give lectures while his children attend various schools in the Great Salt Lake valley.

Achievements

On May 16, 2007, Apa climbed Everest for the 17th time—breaking his own record for the highest number of successful summits through his career.

External links

★ Sherpa breaks Mt Everest record

★ Associated Press on Appa Sherpa

★ Everesthistory.com - Apa Sherpa

★ mounteverest.net

★ December 2006 Salt Lake Tribune article