Sherpa tries record Everest climb

Lakpa Gyelu and Appa (r) set off

A Nepalese Sherpa has begun an attempt to break his own record for the most ascents of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain.

Appa Sherpa left Kathmandu on Thursday hoping to scale the 8,850m (29,035ft) peak for a 17th time.

He first climbed Everest in 1989. His closest rival has done so 14 times.

More than 1,400 people have climbed Everest since New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa Tensing Norgay's historic first ascent in 1953.

Appa is one of eight Sherpas who form the expedition which they hope will raise money for children living in the foothills of Everest, the Associated Press news agency reports.

Another member of the team is Lakpa Gyelu who has climbed Everest 12 times.

More than 180 people have died while attempting to climb the mountain.

Sherpas, local Himalayan tribesmen, have been used as guides and porters by mountaineering teams climbing Everest.