First Summits!
Himex reported today that 5 of their Sherpas summitted on the north side after fixing ropes to the highest point. I would have to go back a research it but an April 30 summit has to be the earliest in many years. This is quite a contrast with last year which saw the first north summit on May 21 and had the latest first summit on the south in more than 40 years! Once again it shows the extreme strength of the Sherpas. Note that no climbers or western guides made the summit - it was an all Sherpa team.
While it is an incredible accomplishment for these strong Sherpas (three from tibet and three from Nepal) it would be a huge mistake to take their accomplishment as proof that Everest has become a simple "walk-up" and anyone can arrive at BC and 30 days later stand on top of the world. Per the Himex statement, these five Sherpas have 27 summits of Everest between them with Phurba Tashi leading the team at 10 summits. They know the route, know the mountain, work as a tight team and had perfect weather conditions. In other words - a perfect day!
Well done guys, well done! http://www.alanarnette.com
