Nepalese Sherpa scales Qomolangma 19th time

KATHMANDU: A Nepalese "Super Sherpa" conquered Mount Qomolangma for a breathtaking 19th time yesterday, breaking his own previous world record in a climb he dedicated to environmental awareness.

Apa Sherpa, 49, reached the summit of the world's highest peak early in the morning, Jitendra Giri, of the Nepalese government's mountaineering department, said.

"He reached on top of Everest (Qomolangma) this morning and spent around half an hour on the summit," Giri said, adding that he was in good health and already heading back to base camp.