The daunting prospect of tackling the mighty Mount Everest

When people are asked who their greatest heroes are, names such as Pele, Muhammad Ali, John Lennon or even Brad Pitt are normally bandied around. While most of us are fond of sportsmen, actors and musicians, for me, one man stands head and shoulders above the rest. Apa Sherpa.

Granted, he is far from a household name, but in my opinion "Super Sherpa" has to be ranked alongside the finest people to have walked the planet, as he holds the record for the number of times a person has scaled the fearsome Mount Everest. As a keen climber and adventurer, one of my dreams is to one day reach the top of the famous landmark in Nepal.

Super Sherpa has achieved this feat on no less than 21 occasions, which I find unbelievable. While I am still desperately short of plucking up the courage and the fitness to one day tackle the daunting peak, I have managed to walk in the footsteps of the great man himself.

Only a select few have been able to etch their names in history by getting to the summit of Everest, but many more - myself included - have taken in the breathtaking views on offer when embarking on a trek through the Himalayas. Although completing the Everest Base Camp hike pales into insignificance when compared to Super Sherpa's exploits over the years, it is still not to be scoffed at.

Nepal truly is a fascinating cultural experience and it is certainly not all about Everest. It is well worth going for as long as possible, as there is just so much to do. After exploring the unique medieval capital of Kathmandu, I ended up meandering along picturesque rivers and clawing my way through dense jungle. The diversity of the Asian country is incredible.

Hopefully one day I will have built up enough bravery to return to the beautiful destination to finally have a crack at the world's tallest peak. Until then, I shall continue to revel in the triumphs of one of the world's most unsung heroes - Super Apa Sherpa.