KATHMANDU, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A Nepali former Gurkha soldier has announced to climb Mount Qomolangma as the oldest person of the world at the age of 86.
Min Bahadur Sherchan announced in a press conference here on Monday that he will conquer the world's highest peak this spring season to retake his title of world's oldest person to summit the earth's highest peak provided by the Guinness World Records.
Born in 1931 in Myagdi district of western Nepal, Sherchan had climbed the 8848-meter peak in 2008 at the age of 77. He was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Record in November 2009.
But his record was broken by 80-year-old Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura in 2013.
Talking exclusively with Xinhua, the veteran soldier expressed his confidence due to high determination and blessings of God and well wishers.
He said his expedition is to pray for world peace, humanity and preservation of Mother Nature earth.
"I request everyone not to suspect my expedition. I have the blessings of God. I won't die and will return safely," Sherchan told Xinhua.
Sherchan had made an attempt to scale Qomolangma in 2015 but could not make it due to the devastating earthquake of April 25.
He said that age is not a bar for any ambition.
"I don't have any health problems. I went through different medical tests and there is no obstacle for expedition. I am very happy as I am near my dream."
As part of the preparation, Sherchan has been embarking on both short and long trekking recently. With the moral consent of his family, Sherchan is delighted to test own strength at this old age.
Sherchan is taking part in the expedition under the professional guidance of Nepali company Summit Nepal Trekking. The company has arranged veteran guides, emergency evacuation facilities, team of medical doctors and all other advanced logistics support.
Shiv Raj Thapa, Managing Director at Summit Nepal Trekking told Xinhua, "Due to his age factor, it's a different kind of expedition from our regular commercial expeditions. We have arranged a huge support team for him with high caution on every necessity."
It has been expected that the expedition will cost around 10 million rupees (93,675 U.S. dollars). To collect the fund, various national and regional organizations have joined hands with Sherchan for making him again the oldest person of the world to clime the Qomolangma.
Shrestha and his team will leave for Qomolangma region in the first week of April.
