WA Sherpa climbed Everest 17 times — working for others. Now he’s starting a new adventure
By Nina Shapiro
BOTHELL — In the climbing world, Lakpa Rita Sherpa stands out for some remarkable achievements. He summitted Mount Everest 17 times. He became the first Nepali to climb the “Seven Summits,” the highest peaks on every continent. He was among Outside magazine’s 2013 “adventurers of the year” for his continual rescues of imperiled Everest climbers.