Starting to get some thoughts down on paper. I only had 700 words for this one. Hence I fail to talk about Nima Nguru, Pemba Tenzing and Lhakpa. The people instrumental getting us to the top.

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/aussie-married-couple-first-to-summit-everest.htm

We returned, tackling the problem on how we would reach the summit on three fronts: spiritual, physical and mental. Paying homage to the mountain gods, Sandy declared no more 'funny business' on the mountain.

What would the mountain gods have against 'funny business?' Presumably these aren't uptight Abrahamic mountain gods.

Good question. I was being slightly tongue in cheek but hey... Bhuddism is not a homogeneous spirituality and that which is practiced on the Nepal/ Tibet border does appear to pay homage to mountain spirits especially amongst those who earn their living and risk their lives climbing the higher peaks.