Sherpa: Babu Chiri

Image Source: nepalnews.com.np

Climbing without oxygen is always a favorite discussion among mountaineers and enthusiasts. Yet few actually do it. Even the sherpas, the guides in your climb usually use supplementary oxygen. Interestingly enough, in 1999, a climb to Everest with a sherpa by the name of Babu comes to my mind. Babu stayed on the summit for about 22 hours without supplementary oxygen in hand. Babu had super genetic ability and had a strong mind to attempt ascent without oxygen. A safety net had to be placed for Babu’s attempt. Before his ascent in 1999, babu had a super history of 7 Everest summit without using extra oxygen supply. The attempt was prepared for a full year with additional sherpas, ropes and oxygen as rescue back ups just in case. Babu was continually monitored for signs of HACE and AMS. He eventually made it successfully against all the odds. And he was the first international climbing hero of Nepal. Around 2 years later, he accidentally fell into a crevass and died.