A high-altitude mountaineering professional who guides climbers and porters loads in the Himalayas.
What sherpas do
Sherpas guide commercial expeditions on the world’s tallest peaks, fix ropes on technical sections, ferry loads between camps, prepare meals and shelter at altitude, and shepherd clients safely up and down summit ridges. Many have summited Everest multiple times.
Training path
Most working Sherpas grow up in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal, starting as porters and gradually working into climbing roles. The Nepal Mountaineering Association and Khumbu Climbing Center provide technical training and guide certification.
Work setting
Employment runs through Western expedition outfitters such as Adventure Consultants and Alpine Ascents and through Nepali operators that staff the spring Everest season and autumn Manaslu and Cho Oyu expeditions.
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Sherpa starts with S and ends with A. Browse other professions along the same letter.
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