Most people will never see Mount Everest in person, much less actually climb it. For those who do make the journey and complete the climb, we’d imagine they’re probably content with their accomplishment and move on to another goal in most cases.
That’s not the case for Apa Sherpa. He’s completed the climb up Everest 21 times already and holds the world record for summiting the mountain.
You might think Apa is a thrill seeker who’s summiting for glory if you heard of this accomplishment, thinking he’s attempting to shorten his time to some superhuman level.
You’d be wrong.
As his name probably gave away, Apa is a sherpa who leads others up Mount Everest. Unfortunately for Apa and the Sherpa people who live near the mountain, they have little choice but to take up this risky profession if they wish to provide for themselves and their families.
“Without education we have no choice,” says Apa.
Despite the risks and the cost to climb the mountain — it ranges from $35,000-$100,000 — the Sherpa people remain poor.
Apa is hoping to make a better future for the people of Nepal.
