Scaled Everest 18 times

Nepal: Nepalese Appa Sherpa smiles upon his arrival at Kathmandu Airport after breaking his own world record by conquering Mount Everest for a breathtaking 18th time.

The 48-year-old Sherpa, known as one of Nepal's "Super Sherpas" - hardened local climbers with almost superhuman stamina - was among 37 climbers taking advantage of the good weather to reach the summit on May 22. AFP