Nepali boy could be youngest Everest conqueror

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London: A Nepalese boy aged nine is on the way to becoming the youngest person to climb the world's highest mountain, Everest.

Tseten Sherpa, who scaled a 6,000-metre peak last week, could beat the record set by American Jordan Romero, who was 13 when he managed the feat in May.

According to Nepalese law, climbers must be over the age of 16, but Tseten''s determined father, Pemba Dorje Sherpa, is seeking special dispensation so his son can make his attempt in April, when he will be 10.

The child climbed Mount Ramdung in eastern Nepal last Wednesday, and Pemba Dorje Sherpa - a reknowned climber himself - said he wanted his son to become the youngest person ever to reach the Everest summit.

Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who holds the world record for the fastest ascent of Everest - it took him eight hours and 10 minutes - said earlier this year he wanted to find a Nepalese child to beat Romero''s record.

“I think all the Everest records should be held by Nepalese people,” the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

However, tourism ministry official Baburam Bhandari has warned that the government would not allow the climber to take his son on to the mountain.

“We will not let him climb Mount Everest. Our climbing regulations clearly state that you must be at least 16,” he said.