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native Sherpas
Nepal also imposes a requirement whereby all foreign climbers must hire a local Sherpa guide for their expedition. This is in part due to the economic development of the <anchor>native Sherpas</anchor>. Nepal relies heavily on permit fees for its revenue.
What are Sherpa Guides? | Base Camp Magazine
What are Sherpa Guides? \| Base Camp Magazine

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# What are Sherpa Guides?

[December 21, 2016](https://basecampmagazine.com/2016/12/21/what-are-sherpa-guides/ "11:06 am")·by [BCM Staff](https://basecampmagazine.com/author/editorialbcm/ "View all posts by BCM Staff")·
in [Travel & Culture](https://basecampmagazine.com/category/travel-culture/). ·

![sherpas](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/sherpas.jpg?w=470)

Image Credit: Gac of Italian Wiki \| [License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode)

Sherpas, quite simply put, are the “people of the mountains,” a native Nepalese race of remote village people who have, over time, moved their settlements to elevated locations near the base of the Himalayan Mountains. They serve as guides on Himalayan expeditions and as porters, transporting the equipment of climbers and expedition groups up to the mountains from nearer villages like Lobuche.

## The Difference Between Sherpas and Porters

When speaking in climbing terms, Sherpas are divided into two categories: high-altitude sherpas and porters. Porters simply carry the equipment of climbers from the nearest villages to the mountain base camps where high-altitude sherpas then carry the equipment up the mountains, setting up camps. Without Sherpas, the commercial Himalayan climbing industry would not exist. They do everything from setting up camps for expedition teams to preparing meals and also serve as climbing guides for expedition teams on a contract basis.

Sherpas also set up the climbing routes for commercial expeditions each season. For example, they set the ladders that climbers need in order to get through the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest. Sherpas also set fixed ropes through the most treacherous parts of the climb.

## The Importance of Sherpas in Mountaineering

In recent years, sherpas have become more aware of their value to the expedition industry. They have demanded better wages and benefits for their families in the event they should perish while working in the mountains. Himalayan expeditions make up the bulk of Nepal’s national revenue.

After the 2015 Nepal Earthquake that killed 16 Sherpas while they were setting ladders in the Khumbu Icefall, Sherpas went on strike. They demanded better benefits for their dependents in the event they suffered fatal injuries. The strike contributed to the [cancellation of the 2015 Everest Climbing Season](https://basecampmagazine.com/2016/12/21/no-one-summits-mount-everest-in-2015/).

Various notable western climbers have stressed the need for the conservation of Sherpa culture, including Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to climb Mount Everest alongside his Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, in 1953. Hillary founded Kunde Hospital to treat the natives of the area, and his foundation also aids Nepalese natives during natural disasters, a concept now adopted by many commercial expedition companies. In 2015, Adventure Consultants was one of them. They founded a relief fund to help the families of the earthquake and help Sherpas rebuild their lives.

Although most of the fame and glory of mountaineering is given to western climbers, there have been Sherpa guides who have also become legends on the mountains, reserving their place in Nepalese history. Among them are:

- **Tenzing Norgay** – first sherpa to ascend Mount Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary
- **Ang Dorjee** – legendary sherpa and surviving guide of the [1996 Everest Disaster](https://basecampmagazine.com/2016/12/31/the-1996-everest-disaster-the-whole-story/) on Rob Hall’s team. He has climbed Everest 17 times as of 2015.
- **Pemba Dorjee** – beat Lakpa Gelu’s record and reached the Everest Summit in 8 hours and 56 minutes
- **Lakpa Gelu** – Known for holding the previous world record for fastest ascent of Everest at 10 hours and 56 minutes
- **Lakpa Rita Sherpa** – First Sherpa to climb the Seven Summits, 17 successful summits to Everest and 12 to Cho Oyu
- **Pemba Gyalje Sherpa** – a survivor of the [2008 K2 Disaster](https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/12/the-2008-k2-tragedy/). He spent 90 hours in the death zone that season; 70 of those hours were spent saving lives. He was awarded the title of [Adventurer of the Year](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/features/adventurers-of-the-year/2008/pemba-gyalje-sherpa-2008/) and the Heroism Award. Both were presented by National Geographic in 2009.

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## 13 responses to “What are Sherpa Guides?”

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- [![The 2008 K2 Disaster](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/k2-maria-ly.jpg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/12/the-2008-k2-tragedy/ "The 2008 K2 Disaster")
[The 2008 K2 Disaster](https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/12/the-2008-k2-tragedy/ "The 2008 K2 Disaster")

- [![K2: The King of Mountains](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/k2-north-face.jpg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2017/02/08/k2-the-king-of-mountains/ "K2: The King of Mountains")
[K2: The King of Mountains](https://basecampmagazine.com/2017/02/08/k2-the-king-of-mountains/ "K2: The King of Mountains")

- [![1996 Everest Disaster Documentaries on YouTube - Updated](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/screen-shot-2018-02-16-at-4-36-03-pm.png?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/16/1996-everest-disaster-documentaries-on-youtube/ "1996 Everest Disaster Documentaries on YouTube - Updated")
[1996 Everest Disaster Documentaries on YouTube - Updated](https://basecampmagazine.com/2018/02/16/1996-everest-disaster-documentaries-on-youtube/ "1996 Everest Disaster Documentaries on YouTube - Updated")

- [![Pemba Gyalje Sherpa is Alive & Well](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pemba-gyalje-sherpa-is-alive.png?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/03/23/is-pemba-gyalje-sherpa-dead/ "Pemba Gyalje Sherpa is Alive & Well")
[Pemba Gyalje Sherpa is Alive & Well](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/03/23/is-pemba-gyalje-sherpa-dead/ "Pemba Gyalje Sherpa is Alive & Well")


# Our Favs This Week

[![The 7 principles of leave no trace](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/pexels-photo-2916820.jpeg?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/05/18/7-principles-leave-no-trace/)[The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/05/18/7-principles-leave-no-trace/)-As we begin slowly venturing out, it's important to remember the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Read them, remember them, follow them and help protect our lands and wildlife.

[![hiking safety tips for everyone by base camp magazine](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/hiking-safety-tips-for-everyone.jpg?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/27/general-hiking-safety-tips-everyone/)[General Hiking Safety Tips for Everyone](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/27/general-hiking-safety-tips-everyone/)-These general hiking safety tips will help hikers travel safely and be able to enjoy the sights more efficiently. This article covers how to plan your trip and what to bring.

[![Downloadable Essential Mountaineering Gear List Color](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mountaineering-gear-list-2020-image.jpg?w=116)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/03/05/downloadable-essential-mountaineering-gear-list/)[Downloadable Essential Mountaineering Gear List](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/03/05/downloadable-essential-mountaineering-gear-list/)-An essential mountaineering gear list is the first thing every mountaineer/climber should have before starting their journey.

A gear list also comes in handy for professional climbers starting from scratch after an emergency evac that holds their gear hostage on the mountain, or any number of reasons. Either way, here's a downloadable Essential Mountaineering Gear List for you to keep.

# Books

[![Recommended mountaineering books for beginners on base camp magazine](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/recommended-mountaineering-books-for-beginners.png?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/02/24/recommended-mountaineering-books-beginners/)[Recommended Mountaineering Books for Beginners](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/02/24/recommended-mountaineering-books-beginners/)-These recommended mountaineering books for beginners comprise our collection of resources for those just starting out on their mountaineering adventures.

# BCM Rewind

[![The 1996 Everest Disaster - The Whole Story Green Boots](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/800px-green-boots.jpg?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2016/12/31/the-1996-everest-disaster-the-whole-story/)[The 1996 Everest Disaster – The Whole Story](https://basecampmagazine.com/2016/12/31/the-1996-everest-disaster-the-whole-story/)-On May 10, 1996, four groups of climbers set out to summit Mount Everest - one group led by Rob Hall of Adventure Consultants, another led by Scott Fischer of Mountain Madness, an expedition organized by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and a Taiwanese expedition. The day would turn out to be the single most disastrous event in the mountain's history, killing 8 and injuring others after an unexpected blizzard ravaged the climbers, trapping them high on the mountain.

# Travel & Culture

[![Nepal Closes Mount Everest Amid COVID-19 Concerns](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/way-to-mount-everest-.png?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/03/13/nepal-closes-mount-everest-amid-covid-19-concerns/)[Nepal Closes Mount Everest Amid COVID-19 Concerns](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/03/13/nepal-closes-mount-everest-amid-covid-19-concerns/)-Amid growing concerns regarding COVID-19, Nepal has decided to shut down access to Mount Everest and to the rest of its Himalayan Mountains. As of 13 March 2020, the spring climbing season in Nepal is closed.

[![Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Advisories, Care & Prevention](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-750.png?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/03/09/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-advisories-prevention-resources/)[Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Advisories, Prevention, Resources](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/03/09/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-advisories-prevention-resources/)-As outdoor enthusiasts, most climbers, mountaineers and like-minded people tend to travel significantly. As cases for the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) increase, it's important to understand how this virus spreads and what you can do to prevent contracting it and safeguarding against its continued spread.

Coronavirus nCoV began creating some levels of panic around the world in early January. It’s important to understand this specific disease in order to safeguard against it during traveling and regular day-to-day living. Here’s everything you need to know about coronavirus nCoV, now known as COVID 2019.

[![cima grande di lavaredo in the dolomites The Dolomites: A Treasure for Climbers and Science](https://basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cima-grande.png?w=150)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/12/05/dolomites-treasure-climbers-science/)[The Dolomites: A Treasure for Climbers and Science](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/12/05/dolomites-treasure-climbers-science/)-A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites make up a vast mountain range in Northeastern Italy. They are a treasure for climbers and the scientific community.

When we think of the Dolomites, we think of the late Tom Ballard, who felt the most at home in this Italian paradise. Stretching across 350,650 acres (141,903 ha.) of rocky summits, this mountain range has been appealing to mountaineers and scientists for decades.

# Trending

- [![7 Autumn Hiking Destinations in the US](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/acadia-national-park-1.png?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/11/09/7-autumn-hiking-destinations-us/ "7 Autumn Hiking Destinations in the US")
[7 Autumn Hiking Destinations in the US](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/11/09/7-autumn-hiking-destinations-us/ "7 Autumn Hiking Destinations in the US")

- [![Things You Can Do During Self-Isolation](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-do-during-self-isolation.png?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/20/things-can-do-during-self-isolation/ "Things You Can Do During Self-Isolation")
[Things You Can Do During Self-Isolation](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/20/things-can-do-during-self-isolation/ "Things You Can Do During Self-Isolation")

- [![The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/pexels-photo-2916820.jpeg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/05/18/7-principles-leave-no-trace/ "The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace")
[The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/05/18/7-principles-leave-no-trace/ "The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace")

- [![6 Outdoor Things to Do First When Self-Isolation is Over](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/things-to-do-when-self-isolation-is-over.jpg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/18/6-outdoor-things-do-first-self-isolation-over/ "6 Outdoor Things to Do First When Self-Isolation is Over")
[6 Outdoor Things to Do First When Self-Isolation is Over](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/18/6-outdoor-things-do-first-self-isolation-over/ "6 Outdoor Things to Do First When Self-Isolation is Over")

- [![Editor's Note: Relationships and Mountaineering: Why You Shun It but Shouldn't](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/screen-shot-2017-06-14-at-5-52-55-am.png?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2017/06/14/editors-note-relationships-and-mountaineering-why-you-shun-it-but-shouldnt/ "Editor's Note: Relationships and Mountaineering: Why You Shun It but Shouldn't")
[Editor's Note: Relationships and Mountaineering: Why You Shun It but Shouldn't](https://basecampmagazine.com/2017/06/14/editors-note-relationships-and-mountaineering-why-you-shun-it-but-shouldnt/ "Editor's Note: Relationships and Mountaineering: Why You Shun It but Shouldn't")

- [![Hiking Essentials to Pack for Semi-Cold Weather](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hiking-gear.jpg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/10/02/hiking-essentials-pack-semi-cold-weather/ "Hiking Essentials to Pack for Semi-Cold Weather")
[Hiking Essentials to Pack for Semi-Cold Weather](https://basecampmagazine.com/2019/10/02/hiking-essentials-pack-semi-cold-weather/ "Hiking Essentials to Pack for Semi-Cold Weather")

- [![General Hiking Safety Tips for Everyone](https://i0.wp.com/basecampmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/hiking-safety-tips-for-everyone.jpg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1)](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/27/general-hiking-safety-tips-everyone/ "General Hiking Safety Tips for Everyone")
[General Hiking Safety Tips for Everyone](https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/04/27/general-hiking-safety-tips-everyone/ "General Hiking Safety Tips for Everyone")


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