Who Are the Sherpa People of Nepal?

Where do the Sherpas live? 

Sherpas live in the high Himalayan Mountain regions of Nepal and get their name from the Tibetan words ‘Shar Pa’ meaning ‘Eastern People’. Most Sherpas live in the Eastern regions of Nepal (hence Shar Pa) but mainly in Solukhumba, Khatra, Kama and Rolwaling. 

Traditionally, Sherpa society is divided into clans, called Ru, which are passed down through the male bloodline, similar to surnames. Originally, there were only 4 fundamental clans that migrated from Kham, Tibet to Solukhumba. These groups were called Minyakpa, Thimmi, Lamasherwa and Chawa. But today there are over 20 clans. 

Due to where they live in the Himalayas, Sherpas are well acclimatised to the freezing temperatures and extreme altitudes, making them great guides for tourists wishing to climb Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. 

Why are they so good at Mountaineering? 

Sherpas are known to be very good at assisting tourists up Mount Everest due to genetic adaptations including the regulation of their production of haemoglobin allowing for greater efficiency in the use of oxygen. This allows oxygen to pass through their body through fewer red blood cells, allowing oxygen to get to muscles more efficiently. This is often the reason that Sherpas will take their clients equipment up the mountain, including oxygen bottles, water and food – allowing the climbers to focus on the new and extremely difficult climbing environment.  

Sherpas are not just the muscle behind the mission, they are also expert navigators and help climbers to negotiate ice falls, avalanches and extreme altitudes. They are very aware of what to look out for and how to best navigate situations to keep everyone safe due to their experience of living in these conditions. to surnames. Originally, there were only 4 fundamental clans that migrated from Kham, Tibet to Solukhumba. These groups were called Minyakpa, Thimmi, Lamasherwa and Chawa. But today there are over 20 clans. 

Due to where they live in the Himalayas, Sherpas are well acclimatised to the freezing temperatures and extreme altitudes, making them great guides for tourists wishing to climb Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. 

Sherpas and Tourism: 

As of 2019, Mount Everest expeditions contributed $300 million to the economy of Nepal which thrives off tourism and adventure seekers. 

A spiritual ritual is performed by Sherpas before beginning the climb of Mount Everest, asking it for permission to climb. This has become a key part for tourists and foreign climbers. 

Typically, Sherpas will make up to $5000 USD during their 2-3 month period of taking international clients to the summit of Everest – around 4 times more than the average income in Nepal. bottles, water and food – allowing the climbers to focus on the new and extremely difficult climbing environment.  

Sherpas are not just the muscle behind the mission, they are also expert navigators and help climbers to negotiate ice falls, avalanches and extreme altitudes. They are very aware of what to look out for and how to best navigate situations to keep everyone safe due to their experience of living in these conditions. to surnames. Originally, there were only 4 fundamental clans that migrated from Kham, Tibet to Solukhumba. These groups were called Minyakpa, Thimmi, Lamasherwa and Chawa. But today there are over 20 clans. 

Due to where they live in the Himalayas, Sherpas are well acclimatised to the freezing temperatures and extreme altitudes, making them great guides for tourists wishing to climb Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. 

How is Sherpa Adventure Gear linked to the Sherpa People? 

Sherpa Adventure Gear was originally created by Tashi Sherpa, a Nepalese local who wanted to give something back to the people of his country. 

Our clothing has been developed to provide people with high-quality materials and innovative technology for their travels while also providing the people of Nepal with ethical employment and continuous education. You can find out more about our mission in our “our mission” page 

We also have a range of handcrafted accessories all inspired by Sherpa culture and handmade by women in co-operatives in Kathmandu. 

Notable Sherpas: 

Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hilary: In 1953 they became the first known people to have reached the summit of Mount Everest 

Pem Dorjee Sherpa and Moni Mulepati: Pem Dorjee is a Sherpa mountaineer who has climbed Mount Everest twice – the second expedition was with his girlfriend Moni Mulepati, where they exchanged wedding vows on 30th May 2005, becoming the first couple to be married on top of the mountain. 

Pemba Dorje and Lhakpa Golu competed to see who could climb Everest from Base Camp the fastest. On May 23rd 2003, Dorje reached the summit in 12 hours and 46 minutes. Three days later, Golu beat this time by two hours, taking only 10 hours and 46 minutes to reach the summit. The following year on May 21st, Dorje completed it in just 8 hours and 10 minutes. 

Apa Sherpa successfully beat his own record for the most successful ascents of Everest by reaching the summit for the 21st time in 2011. He first climbed it in 1989 at the age of 29. 

Chhurim Sherpa summited Everest twice in May 2012 – May 12th and May 19th. She was recognised as being the first female Sherpa to summit Everest twice in one climbing season. 

Lakpa Sherpa: The first Nepalese woman to climb and descend Everest in 2000 and has since climbed the Mountain more times than any other woman. At 49 years old, she conquered the mountain for the 10th time.