Fifteen minutes later, Makalu, the world’s fifth- highest peak, came into view—and then, finally, the unmistakable profile of Everest itself.

Lhakpa grew up in a remote village in the shadows of Mount Makalu, as one of 11 children of a yak-herder-turned-lodge-owner.

Makalu followed Everest -- only a shade lower than its neighbor to the west and equally as impressive.