Paraplegic aims to conquer Qomolangma

KATHMANDU - A wheelchair-bound Australian is aiming to become the first paraplegic to reach the base camp of Qomolangma, known as Mount Everest in the West, unaided - a breathless trek he reckons he will make mostly on his hands.

Scott Doolan, 28, sets out Friday for the base camp, which lies 5,364 meters above sea level and is traditionally only accessible on foot or by helicopter. He is out to prove that it is also accessible to wheelchair users.

He used a wheelchair since he was 17 when he broke his spine in a motorcycle accident.