Cracking the Sherpa Gene Code: Apa and Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa Involved in New Study

Apa Sherpa, the man who has climbed Mt. Everest more than any other human being–17 times–and former Record Holder for the fatest climb up Everest, Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, are currently taking part in a new study at the University of Utah.

Over the years the Sherpa people have become legendary for their abilty to climb high altitudes and carry heavy loads in the Himalayas.  Even today, the Sherpas are relied upon heavily to move camps and supplies up and down Mt. Everest, as well as many other peaks in the Himalayan region.  They can withstand loads up to their own body weight and climb with ease to 29,000 ft.  Now researchers are trying to figure out how and why their abilities are so much more advanced than other climbers.

Apa and Lhakpa Gelu, who have been residing in the United States for a couple of years, are leanding a hand in this research project. 

The study would soon reveal a lot of details about the unique high mountain climbing capabilities of the Sherpas,” Ang Tshering Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) said.

Initial research efforts, taken during this past spring’s SuperSherpa Expedition, have shown that the Sherpa Genes may have just evolved after nearly 5,000 years in the high altitude–

This is definately a cool study.  With Apa and Lhakpa Gelu, two of the world’s most famous mountain climbers, on board–it should be a great chance to try to figure out just how they do what they do.  Who knows, we might just learn something new about these amazing people!