Japanese climber nears peak

He lost nine fingers on Qomolangma and is now making new attempt as others stay away

A Japanese climber who lost nine fingers to frostbite on Mount Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the West, three year ago, will make his final push for the summit late on Wednesday, organizers said.

Nobukazu Kuriki, who last month failed to reach the top of the mountain, is the only climber trying to scale the world's highest peak this year after an earthquake-triggered avalanche killed 18 people at base camp.