Solukhumbu, 24 May: Local resident Dawa Sherpa from Solukhumbu has spent 46 years traveling in the Everest region. Having started carrying loads in the mountains at a young age, he is now 61 years old. As a mountaineering guide, he has summited Everest eight times, and his passion for the mountains remains unchanged.
Having entered the tourism sector as a porter, Dawa has a deep affection for the villages and trails of the Everest region. Reflecting on the past, he says, “What is now Namche Bazaar in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality–5 was very different back then. There were old houses, and during the tourist season, hundreds of tents would be pitched. Sherpa youths carried loads, and those who could speak English worked as trekking guides.”
During treks in those days, there were few hotels at the destinations. Dawa recalls spending nights in caves in some places. “We would carry firewood wherever we found it, and settle in caves, cooking our meals there. Back then, Sherpa youths were everywhere. But now, fewer young Sherpas are seen.”
Although the first generation of experienced Sherpas sustained the guiding profession, the Nepal Mountaineering Association warns that there could be a shortage of Sherpa guides in the future. While a few young Sherpas still see a future in mountaineering, the children of veteran climbers appear uninterested in following in their parents’ footsteps.
According to Deependra Gurung, communication officer of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, although there are experienced mountain guides from Solukhumbu, participation from the second generation of Sherpas is notably low. “After Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha has the highest number of mountaineering guides now, followed by Khotang and Okhaldhunga,” he said.
There are currently 461 mountains open for climbing in Nepal, with over 150 still awaiting their first ascent. Some peaks are still under study. Gurung notes, “While the attraction of Sherpa youths toward mountaineering is declining, interest from other communities is growing. If the number of tourists increases in the future, there might be a shortage of mountain guides. Although there is no immediate concern, since mountaineering is a demanding profession, there is fear that fewer will be attracted to it in the future.”
Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, 64, who researches Sherpa culture and their connection with mountains, agrees that Sherpa youth are increasingly losing interest in mountaineering. Govinda Basyal, executive director of the Himalayan Rescue Association, notes that although Sherpas are still active in mountaineering, it remains uncertain whether the next generation will continue in the same line. “Currently, Sherpas dominate the mountaineering field. However, many of their children are now studying in Kathmandu or abroad, making it uncertain whether they will return to their fathers’ profession,” he says.
Lhakpa Sonam, who operates the Sherpa Museum in Namche Bazaar, says that even if Sherpa youth move away from mountaineering, it might not be a major issue. He believes other communities may step in. His greater concern is climate change and whether Mount Everest will even remain as we know it. “Snow is decreasing on Everest each year. If Everest becomes just rock, who will climb it?” he asks.
Nima Sherpa, 51, who has summited Everest eight times, agrees there is a decline in Sherpa youth entering mountaineering. “Our generation is still holding on to guiding jobs. Because mountaineering is risky, there is concern that the educated younger generation may not take it up,” he says. “You mostly see experienced and older Sherpas on expeditions now; fewer young Sherpas are seen.”
Tarke Sherpa, 58, from Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality–9, started carrying loads at a young age in the Everest region. Having summited Everest eight times, he has not climbed it in the past three years but still leads expeditions to mountains below 8,000 meters. He admits there are fewer young Sherpas in the field.
“Some educated youths are in business, while others have gone to the U.S., Canada, Japan, and other countries for higher education,” he says. “The younger generation of Sherpas seems inactive in this field. The lack of consistent income and absence of government support and facilities may have driven them away.”
Ongchu Sherpa from Namche Bazaar recalls that in the past, all sons except the youngest in Sherpa families had to climb Everest. As he was the only son in his family, he only worked as a trekking guide and did not climb. “Nowadays, there are few youths in the villages. Most have gone abroad. In Khumbu’s villages like Pangboche, Thame, and Khumjung, some young Sherpas still climb, but Namche youth are rarely involved,” he says.
The route to Everest opened after Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary successfully summited it on May 29, 1953. Tourists from around the world began visiting Everest for climbing and sightseeing, giving locals in the Khumbu region the opportunity to earn by carrying loads.
There is transportation access from Kathmandu to Surke in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality–2, and flights from Kathmandu and Ramechhap to Lukla. From Lukla, trekkers walk to Everest Base Camp. Well-equipped hotels are available along the route. Goods are transported from Lukla and Surke by mules and porters.
Sherpas are known as the mountain-climbing community of Nepal. At one time, nearly every youth in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu was prepared to climb Everest or work as a trekking guide. Today, however, Sherpa youth appear to be increasingly losing interest in this profession.
