| The Sherpas are an amazing people adapted to living | | | | the world's highest mountain. While the climbers use |
| in the demanding and stunning region around Mount | | | | Everest Base camp as a place to acclimatise, |
| Everest, so that trekking in the Himalaya has come | | | | recuperate and make training runs up the mountain, |
| to rely on the Sherpa people's expertise and | | | | the Sherpas will be busy servicing the camp and |
| endurance. If you visit Nepal you will quickly develop | | | | looking after the climbers. More importantly, they will |
| an affection and respect for the Sherpas that makes | | | | constantly conduct essential repairs to the route for |
| the classic Everest Base Camp Trek possible. | | | | the treks up Everest. In a single day the Sherpas |
| The name 'Sherpa' is often mistaken for a term | | | | may make multiple trips up the formidable mountain |
| meaning 'mountain porter' on an Everest trek, | | | | to fix ropes and the ladder bridges across the |
| because we rarely see the word in any other | | | | crevasses on the Khumbu Icefall, and to maintain the |
| context. The Sherpa people are in fact a distinct | | | | supplies on the higher stages of the climb. |
| ethnic group of people living in the northern highlands | | | | The Sherpa capital is a town in the Everest region of |
| of Nepal and the Khumbu, which we know as the | | | | Nepal called Namche Bazaar, a colourful town hanging |
| Everest region. | | | | on the side of the Khumbu valley at an altitude of |
| Despite living in an isolated and difficult environment, | | | | 3,440 metres. This is a vital stop on many Everest |
| they are world-renowned for their friendliness and | | | | trekking routes where people can rest and get used |
| the warm welcomes they offer to visitors on the | | | | to the increased altitude. This is a market town |
| trail to Everest Base Camp and on similar treks in the | | | | where trekkers can find access to the internet as |
| Everest region. In fact, without the Sherpas' | | | | well as a range of goods sold by the Nepali traders. |
| co-operation and assistance, the journey would | | | | When visitors stop in Namche Bazaar, they will enjoy |
| barely be possible for the thousands of travellers and | | | | the legendary Sherpa hospitality that they will also |
| climbers that trek in Nepal each year. | | | | experience in the villages along the way, where |
| Everest trekking holidays rely upon the local | | | | trekkers can rest as they acclimatise. Treks |
| knowledge and experience of the Sherpas who act | | | | frequently make use of the traditional Sherpa tea |
| as guides and porters on the various routes, under | | | | houses for rest stops, meals and overnight stays on |
| the watchful eye of the head guide or Sirdar. The | | | | most of the Everest trekking routes. |
| in-depth knowledge and understanding of their native | | | | From the tea houses to the temples and the |
| landscape and conditions, means that the Sherpa | | | | colourful streamers decorating the trails, you will be |
| guides can ensure the safety of travellers on an | | | | immersed in the Sherpa culture while on the Everest |
| Everest Base Camp Trek and other Everest treks, | | | | Base Camp Trek. You will take home fond memories |
| whilst the porters will help to transport the gear and | | | | of an under-appreciated race of people who are |
| supplies that the trekkers bring with them. | | | | happy to share their beautiful country with travellers |
| The Sherpas are invaluable to the mountaineers who | | | | from all over world. |
| embark from Everest Base camp on summit bids to | | | | |
