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

Ive been following your expedition for long
it is so nice to see that one of my friend (Arjun) is climbing the most fierce peak with such a great man
hope you guys prevail over the daunting task and that apa and arjun set records dat would be unachievable
just one question in my mind
How does it feel when u think of the fact of climbing mount everest for the 20th time????

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…..

Hope you have a safe climb and good weather.

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!

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

Which of the 19 times you’ve already summited has been the most meaningful and why?

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

Good luck Apa!! We are praying for your safe return.. please say namaste to your family.
Valerie

Apa my friend, when you have finished this historic climb and returned to SLC, can we finally get together for that lunch or dinner I’ve been promising you for so long?
Namaste!

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.

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, your acclimatization rotation is much shorter than other team members. Is this your normal, comfortable rotation or is it short even by your standards?
Best of luck the rest of the way! be safe

Roman

Will you say something special to Chomolungma on your 20th summit?
, and can you say what that is?

Be well,
Deirdre Fleming

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

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

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.
Justin

Are you scared? What are your biggest worries?

Apa, Namaste,
Hello from Palo Alto, BIG HUGS & LOVE to you. Nancy and I are offering bows, prayers and incense, for you daily. Enjoy the mountain. Have a safe summit and return.
We hold you and your family in our hearts. Nancy & Bill

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.

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!

TASHI DELEK APA SHERPA LA.

BEST OF LUCK FOR YOUR 20TH TIMES TO TOP OF THE WORLD MT EVEREST.YOUR SOUNDS GOOD “…MOUNT EVEREST IS NOT ONLY MOUNTEN FOR US IT’S GOD”
WE ALL SHERPA YOUNG GUYS LOVE YOU SO MUCH.KEEP IT UP BUT TAKE CARE EVEREY SECOND
pASANG sHERPA kHUMJUNG 2

Firstly, congratulations to you Apa, on your 20th ascent, wishing you a safe and pleasant one!
2 Questions
How much of a difference do you feel in altitude and how different would be be from the average climber?
If there is one thing you could change about the whole experience of climbing Everest – what would it be ?

Good luck on your record braking 20th Everest summit attempt, Apa!
I think many Westerners believe that Sherpas don’t get the recognition they deserve. I believe that the alpinists do regard the Sherpas in very high esteem. What is your regard in this controversy?
Also, (off the subject) is it possible to obtain a prayer note or flag, although not climbing Everest?
Or is this tabo? Curious.

It is truly an unbelievable and extraordinary accomplishment to have summited the highest point in the world on 19 separate occasions. In your opinion, what is left? Surely there can be no great feat for a mountaineer than to have been on top of the world more than any other human in history. So, is there a next great challenge or have you found satisfaction in knowing that you have accomplished more than anyone else before you?