About Sherpa
The S
herpas are an ethnic group that originated in Tibet that now occupies the high valleys around the base of Mount Everest in northeastern Nepal. Traditional Sherpa settlements lie at the highest elevations of any human habitation. Their villages in Khumbu region range from 2500 meters to as high as 5000 meters and the Sherpas have to brace severe winter from November to February.
Though most Sheraps speak Nepalese, they have their own language which is a dialect of Tibetan. The Sherpas also use Tibetan script for writing. The Sherpas are all Buddhist, but besides the Buddha, they also believe in numerous other Gods, spirits and demons inhabiting the mountains, caves and forests. Many mountians, like the Khumbila, which overlooks the Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar and Khumjung, are worshipped by the Sherpas and considered guardian deity of the region. Because of this, the Sherpas do not kill any animals in the region but do consume meat. A monastery (known locally as gompa) plays a very important role in the religious life of the Sherpas. The monasteries are usually located just outside the village and during religious festivals, all the Sherpas gather in the monastery to participate in it. The monks recite prayers and give blessings to the local people.
Until recently, most of the Sherpas depended on agriculture and trade to sustain them. When Khumbu region was discovered and promoted as a tourist destination, the Sherpas started working as porters, guides and climbers and saw their lifestyle improve. Many families also prospered by opening hotels, lodges and restaurants along the trekking routes. Sir Edmund Hillary, the first to summit Everest, used his fame and fortune to raise funds to open an airport in Lukla connecting Khumbu region to the the world. He also opened schools and hospitals. Many Sherpas have benefited from this. Today, Sherpas from other regions and other ethnic groups are migrating to the Khumbu region to take advantage of this prosperity. But they find themselves paying high rent, dependent on seasonal hard labor and without well run schools to send their children. It is these people that most need the help.
