There were several external contributing factors - like a far-thinking director of a mountaineering institute, a forward mindset of school authorities, a greater validation to mountaineering as a sport in the country, and funky parents - all people from a normal society. Second, Mt. Everest, at 8848m, may be the highest, but not the most difficult summit. read more
Mt. Everest, seen from Tingri, a small village on the Tibetan plateau at around 4050m above sea level. Nuptse, Mt. Everest and Lhotse in the early morning, in the foreground Thamserku (left) and Kantega (right of center) and Ama Dablam right behind the latter. read more