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Veteran Sherpa sets climbing record on Everest

Binaj Gurubacharya

Sunday, May 21, 2000 | 10:52 a.m.

KATMANDU, Nepal - A Sherpa guide has summited Mount Everest in less than 16 hours, setting a new record for the fastest climb of the world's highest peak, the Nepalese tourism ministry said Sunday.

Babu Chhiri, 34, reached the 29,035 foot peak on Sunday in 15 hours and 56 minutes, breaking the previous record of 20 hours and 24 minutes set two years ago by Kaji Sherpa. He climbed from the base camp at 17,500 feet, a trip that normally takes two to four days with breaks in between.

Sunday's was Chhiri's 10th successful ascent of Mt. Everest. Like most Nepalese Sherpas, he climbs without the aid of bottled oxygen.

Sherpas, who live at the foot of the Himalayas, were mostly yak herders and traders until Nepal opened its borders to tourism in 1950. Their stamina and knowledge of the mountains make them expert guides and porters.

Since the first recorded conquest of Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, more than 800 people have conquered the tallest peak. Some 180 people have died on its slopes.

Nepal's mountaineering season began in March and ends May 31, when the monsoon rains bring blizzard-like conditions.

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