Appa Sherpa of Nepal climbs Mt Everest for the 18th time, a Guinness World Record, on May 22, 2008. Appa (born c. 1960) is a Nepalese Sherpa mountain climber born in Thame village. Appa's first successful climb of Mount Everest was completed on 10th May 1990 with a New Zealand Team led by Rob Hall. This was his fourth overall attempt. He then began an
illustrious career as Sirdar or chief Sherpa, for many high altitude expeditions. He has worked in the mountains as a trekker, porter, guide, and climber for many years. In his 18 summits of Mt. Everest, Appa is now regarded as the most expert high altitude climber in the world. In December 2006, Appa moved with his family to Draper, Utah in USA.

A good Sherpa with a bad English is better than a bad expedition leader with a good English in the high altitude deathzone.