Photojournal: Attempt on Mera

The Sherpa who guided Stuart on previous trips was unavailable this time. Instead, his cousin, Furgeljen – who has climbed Mera eleven times – took the lead.

“During my trek I learnt to trust this man quickly. He was strong and precise and I followed every sure footstep he made.”

The Sherpa people fled to Nepal from Mongol invasions about 500 years ago. Becoming a Sherpa guide usually takes years of training, with the trainee serving as a porter on several expeditions.