Answers to Questions
First off, I am a forty seven year old mother who likes to read. I happened upon this web site by chance after reading a book by some fellow left for dead while climbing Everest. I have been following every entry ever since then. Can you explain the addiction to climbing Everest that you have, especially since odds are against you surviving with every climb. Thanks Gem
Apa: Up until the last two years, I’ve climbed to support my family and also support my childrens’ education. But for the last two years, the reason I keep climbing is because I want to help Nepal. I want to improve children’s education in Nepal, especially in the remote areas. The second thing is that I want to help keep our mountain clean. It’s very important. This is why I keep coming and keep cleaning the mountain.
[Go to apasherpafoundation.org for more information on Apa’s charitable work.]
What is the toughest and most dangerous part of mount everest climb? And one more plzz what should a novice climber do to reach the summit of everest?
Hey…..what is the toughest and most dangerous part of everest climb? and what should a beginner do to climb mount Everest? thanks for this opportunity to ask the questions from the great Apa Sherpa…..
Apa: The toughest and most dangerous part is the Khumbu Ice Fall. The Khumbu Ice Fall is very dangerous. It doesn’t matter if you have experience or not, it’s just very dangerous. There are other tough parts, like the Hillary Step, but the danger is in the Ice Fall.
They have to train a lot. They have to climb a lot at high altitudes. They have to have the experience. Climb some other 8,000 meter peaks, like Choy Oyu, first.
Namaste! As a fellow Salt Lake City resident, I’d like to ask Apa what his favorite trails and climbs are around the Salt Lake/Wasatch area. I’m a trail runner and climber and would love to run into him some day! Cheers and Good Luck!
Diddo on the question from Steve Luker from Salt Lake City. Apa, what mountains along the Wasatch Front do you like to climb if it is that you have climbed them? Be safe as we all look forward to your return. The Wasatch Spring has been cold and wet but you should return to a beautiful summer.
Apa: I like Timpanogas and Kings Peak. Kings Peak is the highest mountain in Utah.
Hi Apa! First of all, I’m from Croatia, and I want to tell you that you have many friends here. Lot of people have heard about your Himalaya’s expeditions and contribution to nature maintenance, especially in time when lot of climbers are not conscious in that way.
I wish you good luck on your 20th summit and I hope that you will, first of all return safely to your family!
My question is:
Who is your favourite friend (sherpa) that you, most of all, like to climb with?Do you personaly know Phurba Tashi sherpa, what do you think about him, he is closest to 20th summit after you.
Cheers from Zadar, 0 feet above sea level
Franko
Apa: Actually, I didn’t ever climb with Tenzing Norgay, but he is my favorite person. He was the first guy to find the route to Everest. Even though I didn’t ever climb with him, he is my favorite.
Yes, Phurba is my friend. He is younger than me and most people think that I’m in competition with them, but I’m not. My goal is just to climb every year and help out with the clean-up of Mount Everest. People think we’re in competition, we’re not. I encourage him to beat my record.
Which of the 19 times you’ve already summited has been the most meaningful and why?
Apa: The most memorable was my first time summiting Mount Everest. The first time was better than any time since then.
You are probably the best mountaineer in the world. So why you’re not as famous as Messner or Kukuczka? Do you think Sherpas are underestimated by western media?
Good luck:-)
Aleksandra
Apa: It’s strange, you know, our Sherpa people do all the hard work, but in the media, they focus only on the Western people, not on the Sherpa. The Sherpa have very poor education, so sometimes the Western media may ask them a question, but they won’t know how to answer.
Namaste Apa… We’re practically neighbors here in Utah (I live in Cottonwood Heights) and I’m a big fan. In November 2008, I trekked the Khumba Region for 19 days and fell in love with the area. Although I enjoy climbing, I have no desire to summit Everest but appreciate all you’re doing to bring awareness to climate change. Have you ever visited Ouray Colorado and seen their ice-climbing festival? Namaste and please be safe.
Apa: No, but I would love to go sometime.
Namaste Apa,
Whats going through your mind this time while you’re accompanying Sir Hillary for his last trip to Everest..
Given now even kids are attempting the summit what message you have for aspiring folks..
Best wishes for your safe return & Happy Summiting..
Regards,
Samyak Jain
[Apa won’t be taking the Ashes of Sir Edmund Hillary to the top of Mount Everest. Local lamas felt it would be inappropriate. Next year, there will be a ceremony for the ashes at the Khumjung School that he helped establish.]
Apa, your acclimatization rotation is much shorter than other team members. Is this your normal, comfortable rotation or is it short even by your standards?
Apa: When I used to live in Thame, I would only sleep on the mountain two or three nights because I didn’t need to get acclimated. Since I live in the States now, I took an extra night or two to make sure that I got acclimated. This time was just a little bit longer for me than usual.
Will you say something special to Chomolungma on your 20th summit?
, and can you say what that is?
Apa: Yes. I’m going to pray and say thank you to Chomolungma because she’s looking after me. So far I haven’t even gotten frost bite. So I need to say thank you to Chomolungma.
Hi Apa, i am holding the rock that you so kindly gave me, you know the one it is so cool that i can do it while i communicate with you near the top of the world. Are you planning to skip any of the camps on the bid to summit? I watch my prayer flags thinking of you and the team.
Steve and Lila
Apa: I’m going to skip Camp 1 and Camp3, and just stay in Camp 2 and Camp 4. You’ve helped me a lot in the past. Thank you.
Another question:
With all the high-profile errands and missions you have on this landmark climb are you prepared to abort it if you have to and come back next year to get it all done or are you determined to do it in 2010 or never?
Are you any more inclined to take more risks this time given the extra responsibility to deliver on all these missions? Obviously not all decisions can be calculted and planned out ahead of time, but under what situations/conditions would you make the tough decision to abort these missions and adjorn until next year?
Also, when faced with unexpected circumstances or tough decisions like this, do you rely most on your instincts (experience), or “science”, or statistics, or something else?
Prepared to cheer for you as much in 2011, as in 2010
Hope the hardest decision you have to make is how to celebrate complete vicrory
Roman
Apa: I’m trying very hard to make it this time. I tell everyone here, even myself, that Everest will always be here. Life is more important. If we don’t make it, we can always try next year.
Hello Apa! My name is Justin and I am 9 years old. I live in Michigan in the U.S.A. When you get to the bottom of Mt. Everest after you have reached the summit and come back down again, what do you plan to do?
How can I get your autograph? My Mom lets me check your blog.
Have a safe trip.
Apa: Justin,
I will go back to Base Camp and pray again to Chomolungma to say thank you for safe climbing and safe return. I will burn incense at a puja altar and thank Chomolungma for my safety.
Are you scared? What are your biggest worries?
Apa: Yes, I am scared every time. On the mountain you never know. I am worried for my family. I want to see my family again.
I am also very interested about what trails you enjoy here in Salt Lake.
Do you feel that the mountain has been polluted by “clients” who are ill suited to summit and do not respect it as they should? How does it make you feel about so many foreigners who selfishly climb Everest?
You are so inspiring to me. I hope to do great things like you someday.
Good luck! Stay safe!
Apa: Actually, I would like everyone to feel welcome who wants to climb Everest. I would say to the people who want to climb Mount Everest that they must be prepared very well and train a lot. Without training, you should not try to climb Mount Everest.
Mount Everest has been polluted, but most of the pollution is from the past and we’re trying to clean it up right now. Our government is controlling the waste and requiring every expedition to pay deposits that they will lose if they leave a mess on the mountain. Keeping the mountain clean is very important.
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