Sherchan becomes oldest Everest summiteer

Sherchan becomes oldest Everest summiteer
eKantipur, 25-May-08
BY KRISHNA REGMI

Seventy-six-year old Min Bahadur Sherchan of Nepal has set a record Sunday, becoming the oldest person to reach the summit of Mt Everest.

Sherchan got to the top of Everest at 8:40 am today with Senior Citizen Everest Expedition, said Ramesh KC, an official at the Tourism Ministry.

He beat the record held by Japanese mountaineer Katsusuke Yanagisawa. The retired school teacher was 71 years old when he reached the summit in 2007.

KC said Sherchan is descending to the base camp where he is expected to arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

Born on June 20th, 1931, in Myagdi district, Sherchan had climbed smaller mountains before his Everest feat. The former soldier has been an active sportsman as well.

In a press conference held last January, prior to setting off for the Everest climb, he said his aim was to induce senior citizens to take up the challenge and that he wanted to be a source of inspiration for the youth. “I had a strong desire to put my feet on top of Everest since early childhood,” he said.

Even in his old age, he has made a string of adventurous journeys. He traveled 202 kilometers from Kathmandu to Pokhara in four days in 2003. Likewise, he covered a distance of 1028 kilometers from Mechi River to the Mahakali River in 20 days in the same year. He scaled 5,844 meter Mt Nayakhanga Peak in 2006.

In a message posted on the website for Senior Citizen Everest Expedition, he said: “I want to galvanize the entire senile population in Nepal into enthusiasm and devotion to achieve a better life even in old age.”

“That is why I have commenced on the great mission with a great vision in a great season [spring season] to fight against the mighty Mt. Everest with the will-power of my mind and the clean energy of my heart,” he said.

KC said besides Sherchan, eight climbers, including Chunu Shrestha who was part of 10-member First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition 2008 reached atop Mt Everest today. Nine other members have already conquered the world’s tallest peak. At least 219 climbers have scaled the earth’s highest point this spring season only.