Former British Gurkha Min Bahadur Sherchan informs media about his plan to summit Mt Everest amidst a function in Capital on Monday, March 6, 2017. Photo: THT
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Min Bahadur Sherchan, who is 86-year-old, announced here in Kathmandu on Monday that he will attempt to climb the world’s highest peak in the spring season in order to reclaim the crown of world’s oldest Mt Everest summiteer.
Making his climbing plan public amidst a function, former the British Gurkha told the media corps that he was fit from every aspects of climbing to begin an expedition to Mt Everest starting next month.
Born in Myagdi district, Sherchan stood atop the Mt Everest in 2008 becoming the oldest climber to reach the top of the world at the age of 76.
Five years later, Japanese mountaineer Yuichiro Miura snatched the title of oldest Everest summiteer from Sherchan as the senior citizen summited the peak when he was 80. Since then, Sherchan has been on a quest to reclaim the title.
Saying that he would climb the Mt Everest for the world peace and humanity, Sherchan said that he was determined to face all sort of challenges on the mountain. “I feel being like at 16 when I think of Mt Everest,” the Octogenarian shared.
As Sherchan abandoned his Mt Everest attempt in 2013 after missing the very short summit window of the season, his plan s were also foiled in the preceding years due to the natural disasters including the devastating earthquakes in 2015.
“I am going to break my own record but not the others,” he said, “I am fully determined to reach the summit point this time.”
Former British Gurkha Min Bahadur Sherchan after a press conference held in Capital on Monday, March 6, 2017. Photo: THT
Terming that age was no barrier to success, Sherchan said that his decision would boost self confidence among senior citizens as well as inspire the younger generations to accept the challenges.
The expedition will be locally managed by the Summit Nepal Treks.
According to the organisers, Everest summiteers including Shiva Bahadur Sapkota, Pema Chhiri Sherpa and other experienced climbers will provide technical support to Sherchan throughout the climbing period.
Thakali society, in which Sherchan belongs to, has also been campaigning around the world to garner financial support to his expedition.
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