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21 hours on the top of the world

An experienced Nepalese sherpa today completed 21 hours on the 8,848 metre summit of Mount Everest, setting what is probably a record for the longest stay atop the world's tallest mountain, government officials said.

Babu Chhiri Sherpa, 33, making his eighth successful ascent, did not use bottled oxygen during his overnight stay.

No official records have been kept for the longest time spent at the summit. High winds and rapid changes in extreme weather conditions usually force climbers to retreat after just a few minutes at the top of the world.

Chhiri reached the summit at 10:30 AM IST with two colleagues. They pitched a specially designed tent and while the two companions left for lower heights Chhiri stayed behind. Chhiri hoisted the Nepalese flag and sang the national anthem. Chhiri later said on radio that he wants to present the flag and recording of the national anthem to King Birendra.

Meanwhile, at about the same time, Arvin Timilsina, a 15-year-old Nepalese climber abandoned his bid to become the youngest ever to scale Everest because of pain in his eyes. He had reached the south summit at 8,700 meters (28,700 meters), but quit a few meters from the very top. Sources said he is in better health and was heading for lower camps on the way home.

UNI

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