Apa Sherpa and Climate Change in Nepal

Mckaysavage / Creative Commons

With 1.3 billion people living downstream, climate change in Nepal is visibly effecting glaciers that feed the rivers that so many folks depend on.

Less glaciers = less fresh water = big problem for a large portion of the world's population.

Tiny Nepal, sandwiched directly between the world's two busiest countries, plays a big role in a lot of daily lives; a concern whether or not you ever make it to see Everest or to enjoy the impressive Annapurna circuit.

To raise awareness, Apa Sherpa -- a 52-year-old guide who has climbed Everest a record 21 times -- will begin an epic walk along with Dawa Steven Sherpa -- also a two-time Everest veteran -- through some of the most challenging terrain in the world.

The duo's adventure will carry them 1,062 miles (approximately 1,700 kilometers) for 120 days through the Himalayas. The two are hoping that celebrities and world leaders -- including Al Gore and England's Prince Harry -- will at least join them at certain points along the trail, bringing Nepal's problem more into the world spotlight.

So far, no world leaders have confirmed any rendezvous, however, the two will press on regardless; a noble feat considering that Nepal itself is one of the lowest per-capita producers of greenhouse gas emissions in the world.

Apa Sherpa has been climbing Everest since 1990; if anyone can attest to visible changes in rock and ice, he can. Also known as "Super Sherpa," Apa has warned that climbing Everest is growing increasingly difficult because of changes in the ice.

• Learn how you can make a small difference on your trip; read more about responsible travel.
• Visit the homepage of Apa Sherpa.

Here's wishing best of luck to the two adventurers!