KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2

Sherpa mountaineers have shared stories of mountain rescues, loss, climbing risks and the effects of climate change at an event in Colorado aimed at raising funds for a Sherpa Community Centre.

More than 150 people attended the first event of "Beyond the Summits: Sherpa Stories" in Crested Butte, Colorado, on September 26. The programme was organised by the United Sherpa Association Colorado (USAC) as part of a campaign to raise funds for the proposed community centre and promote Nepal's adventure tourism in the United States.

Mountaineer Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who began working as a climbing assistant in the Everest region at 22, spoke about his experiences guiding climbers on Everest and conducting high-altitude rescues. He recalled summiting Everest in an autumn expedition in 2010 and a 2019 mission to recover the body of an Indian climber from about 8,700 metres.

Nima Doma Sherpa, who lost her husband Tsering Wangchu Sherpa in the 2014 Khumbu Icefall avalanche that killed 18 Sherpa guides, spoke about raising their two children and returning to mountaineering. She summited Everest in 2019, saying the climb was also a tribute to her husband and other Sherpa climbers.

Mountaineering instructor Panuru Sherpa discussed the importance of technical training and the development of the Khumbu Climbing Centre in Phortse. Founded in 2003, the centre provides training in climbing techniques, mountain safety, rescue and wilderness first aid.

Sixteen-time Everest summiteer Danuru Sherpa spoke about the risks involved in climbing and the role of technical skills and modern equipment in reducing them. Mingma Sherpa raised concerns about the social security of Sherpa climbers, unsafe practices in the mountains and the effects of rising temperatures on Himalayan communities.

USAC President Lhakpa Sherpa said similar events would be organised in Denver and other cities in Colorado and beyond. He said the campaign was intended to give Sherpa mountaineers a platform to tell their own stories while supporting the proposed Sherpa Community Centre.

The centre is envisioned as a venue for community events, cultural preservation, education and cultural exchange, as well as a place for Sherpa families and the wider community to gather.