Japanese climber with ONE finger 'almost at summit of Mount Everest'
A JAPANESE man with just ONE finger is reportedly almost at the summit of Mount Everest after becoming the first person to tackle the mountain since the devastating Nepal earthquake.
Nobukazu Kuriki
Brave Nobukazu Kuriki, 33, is currently on his fifth attempt at climbing the highest mountain in the world - despite losing nine fingers in a previous expedition.
Latest contact suggests Mr Kuriki has reached the South Col, where he will rest before attempting to finish his epic quest later today, the BBC reported.
The Japanese climber reached South Col on Saturday and is expected to rest for seven to eight hours before trying to reach the 29,035-foot summit.
Mr Kuriki arrived in Nepal more than a month ago to begin his climb and usually prefers to tackle mountains alone.
Mr Kuriki hopes his quest will restore the climbing industry at Everest
He lost nearly all of his fingers on a previous expedition in 2012
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On one of his treks, Mr Kuriki lost nearly all the fingers on his hand to frostbite after spending two days in a snow hole at 27,000 feet in temperatures lower than -20C.
He is so far the only person scheduled to climb Everest this autumn season after the climbing industry saw a massive decline following the April earthquake.
More than 9,000 were killed in the devastating quake and avalanches that followed.
He said shortly after arriving in Nepal: "I do feel nervous and afraid.
"This is only natural before attempting the challenge of climbing Everest, particularly after the earthquake and at this time of year."
Nepalese Mountaineering Association President, Ang Tsering, told the BBC: "We are very much hoping he will be successful and come back OK."
He has tried four times before to reach the summit of Everest