Who Are the Sherpa?
The Sherpa are a Tibetan ethnic group numbering approximately 150,000-200,000, primarily inhabiting the Solukhumbu region of northeastern Nepal near Mount Everest (Sagarmatha/Chomolungma), famous worldwide for extraordinary high-altitude capabilities and mountaineering expertise. Sherpa migrated from Tibet to Nepal 400-500 years ago, settling in valleys at 3,000-4,500m elevation. Traditional Sherpa culture combined yak herding, high-altitude agriculture, and trans-Himalayan trade, with strong Tibetan Buddhist faith centered on monasteries. Sherpa developed remarkable physiological adaptations to hypoxia including increased hemoglobin, efficient oxygen utilization, and superior cardiovascular function. Since 1920s mountaineering expeditions began, Sherpa became synonymous with Himalayan climbing, serving as guides, porters, and expedition support, summiting Everest more than any other group. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary made first confirmed Everest summit in 1953. Modern Sherpa face complex economics—mountaineering provides income but involves extreme risk (death rates remain high). Climate change threatens glaciers and traditional livelihoods. Sherpa culture navigates between traditional Buddhist practices and global mountaineering industry while maintaining identity as world's premier high-altitude people.