Xia is the first double amputee to scale Mt Everest from the Nepal side and second person without legs to climb world’s highest peak. Mark Joseph Inglis of New Zealand was the first double leg amputee to scale M Everest from the Chinese side.
He accomplished the feat in 2006. Xia had lost both of his legs in his first attempt in 1975. He stood atop the highest peak of the world in his fifth attempt this morning. He was accompanied by three sherpas.