In May of 1999 Babu Chiri Sherpa, a native of Nepal, performed an amazing athletic feat as he topped by many times the world's record for staying on top of Mount Everest. The previous record was reportedly one or two hours. Babu Chiri Sherpa remained on the summit without bottled oxygen for twenty-one hours overnight! On this trip, his ninth successful ascent, he also carried and displayed aloft the colorful Star Alliance world peace flag (similar to the Star Alliance logo on this site).

"The Arc of Rainbow Stars" symbolizes a grassroots movement to achieve
harmonious goals through "Communication, Cooperation and Celebration" for our "Highest Common Ideals."

In August of 1999, Babu Chiri Sherpa returned the Star Alliance flag he carried for universal peace at the Star Alliance foundation's 14th Anniversary banquet in Berkeley, California. The banquet honored Babu and his partner at Nomad Expeditions, Lhawang Dhondup, who helped arrange this cooperative feat.

Also honored at the banquet were Ms. Barbara Addleman of Piedmont, California and her family. Barbara generously volunteered many hours to sew by hand the flag carried by Babu and two others now in use ‹ no small feat in itself since there are 72 separate pieces to applique on each double-sided flag!

A fourth guest of honor was Mrs. Dorothy Hackbarth of Oakland, California, founder and director of a nationwide citizens' group which supports UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Hosts of the banquet were Mr. and Mrs. David Su, proprietors of Berkeley's Lotus Vegetarian and Seafood Restaurant. The Lotus Restaurant contributes daily to the Star Alliance Homeless and Needy Feeding Program. Please patronize the Lotus when you are in Berkeley!

The superstar climber has ascended Everest nine times now, without ever
using bottled oxygen. At this writing he is preparing to break the Everest speed climb record on his tenth ascent, and then, on his eleventh: the most climbs of Everest ever! Everyone please: Wish every Good Luck to Babu Chiri Sherpa for this May 2000!

Star Alliance flags are eventually to be presented to Prince William and Prince Harry of England in honor of their late mother Princess Diana and the youth of the world. In light of Babu's achievements, these gifts will also help continue and expand a tradition of friendship between the people of Nepal and past and present members of the British Commonwealth.

Star Alliance Goodwill Travel Partner Nomad Tours offers an impressive array of Himalayan Treks made easy and enjoyable by their experienced guides. They also offer an even easier alternative: an "effortless" and sure-to-be-spectacular balloon tour of Himalayan peaks! For more information and facilitated contact with Star Alliance Nomad Tours please inquire at (Tel.) 1-510-848-1818 or by e-mail at staralliance@hotmail.com. Or you may contact Nomad directly at NOMAD@wlink.com.np. Please mention you saw this web page.