With family in both Tibet and Nepal, Lhawang brings a unique local perspective to our Asia trips. He began his professional climbing career at the age of 18 in the Himalayas. Since then he has been on more than 25 Himalayan expeditions with summits of Cho Oyu, Shishapangma and Everest (see the Mountain Hardwear 2004 Fall Catalog for more information about Lhawang and the 2004 Mountain Link Everest Expedition). He was instrumental in providing logistical support for his friend and climbing partner, Babu Chiri, in his record-breaking speed ascent and later longest stay on the top of Mount Everest. (Babu still holds the record for the longest stay on the summit at 21 hours, 30 minutes without supplemental oxygen.) Lhawang is a Ground sponsored athlete.
Lhawang is a student of Buddhist Philosophy and Asian History, which he studied for nine years at the Varanasi University in India. When he is not climbing Lhawang deals in antique textiles and rugs from his homeland. He resides in Berkeley, California when he is not traveling.
Click to View Lhawang's Slideshow
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