Nepalese mountaineer Pasang Dawa Sherpa reached the summit of Everest for the 27th time on Monday. The 46-year-old equalled the record for the number of ascents of the world's highest mountain held by a compatriot.
But he is likely to be beaten again by Kami Rita Sherpa who is planning another ascent of Everest this week. The mountaineering industry in the Himalayas relies on the experience of Sherpas, usually from the valleys of Everest. A third of the dead in Everest are Nepalese climbers.