November 11, 2015
Interview with Tshering Sherpa from Himalayan Trailblazers
When I first met Tshering Sherpa in August of 2010, I never realized the impact he would have on my life. But I can safely say that my current success as an professional adventurer is the direct result of Tshering's efforts (and his company Himalayan Trailblazers) in organizing and supporting my Everest climb, the final leg of my record-breaking Save the Poles expedition. With no other westerners around, Tshering and I had more than our fair share of conversations and I developed a great respect for Tshering as well as a better understanding of Sherpa culture.
Last month, Ryan Waters and I were in Nepal on an expedition into the Rolwaling region and we asked Tshering to help us with the logistics and porters for the 'trekking' part of our adventure. It was fun to spend time with Tshering again. In most remote places, there always seems to be a person who can get, 'things done' and Tshering is definitely that guy.
Because Tshering is a sherpa and local outfitter, I felt it could be important to share his perspective and insights. I sent a few questions and here are Tshering's replies.
Obviously, English is not Tshering's first language but I wanted to publish his response verbatim regardless.
1. What's your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
My mother gave me name Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, I got sick for long time, my mother took me several place to checked me up but I wasnâ??t getting better. At last moment she took me Lama, He changed my name as Tshering Ngima which means long live like Sun then I got well and never get sick.
2. You run the company Himalayan Trailblazers. What does HT do? What are the big challenges of running a business in Nepal?
HTB (http://www.himalayantrailblazer.com/) organize Trekking, Peak Climbing and Expedition in Nepal, HTB pick the young, energetic and honest people to serve for clients. There are more than 1000 Trekking company in Nepal, most of them are unprofessional and doing unhealthy competition. Also Government of Nepal is unstable and working with government office is too complicated.
3. You live in Lukla. What do you like about living there? What are some of the biggest challenges?
I like most the people from Lukla and around Lukla, people are very nice. We have different festival and we are proud to be participate in festival and activities. Our young friends from Lukla are thinking very much about the develop our place. Education and Electricity is the biggest challenges for all of us. If we have good education and electricity then we have many plan for upcoming future.
4. For many, Lukla is the start of their Trek to Everest Base Camp. How many times have you trekked to EBC and what is your favorite spot along the way?
I have done more then 100 times to Everest Base Camp. Everest base camp is my favorite spot.
5. You are involved in another group that is helping to expand tourism opportunities in Lukla. What projects are you looking at and why are you doing this?
Iâ??m involved in Himalayan Club Lukla which is doing expanding route, preserve the wild life, preserve forest, drinking water and sanitation and many more. Lukla is the place where many tourist fly in and out, tourist do not want to stay even one night so we plan to make good and interesting place for tourist which makes tourist to spend at least 2 days in Lukla. Iâ??m doing this because if we have more tourist then most young people get job, better life style and they have good financial so they wonâ??t go out of Country for hand to mouth. Young can change the world.
6. Recently, a new constitution was passed in Nepal. Has this improved life in Nepal? Will things get better now for the average Nepali?
We got good new constitution and we thought now we will have better life. This hasnâ??t improved our life recently, India has blockage our country, we were full depend on India for fuel, cooking propane, medicine, food and many more. I donâ??t understand why Indian Government and some of our Leaders done for Nepali. Now most of Nepalese people are getting hassle from all of these. Hope if our Government can short out the problem then we definitely have better life in Nepal.
7. What does it mean to be a Sherpa?
Sherpa is one of the ethnic group of Nepal who live in North East of Nepal. Who have been working with Foreigner in Himalaya from starting time of tourism in Nepal. They are honest, strong and helpful.
8 You've talked a lot about preserving the Sherpa culture? What is the best way to do that?
First of all we have to start from home, we have to learn and obey how our parents are doing for preserve Sherpa culture then teach our kids about Sherpa Culture, attend all the Sherpa festival, puja at monastery and follow them. We have to make good school for kids to preserve the Culture as well.
9. What is your favorite food?
I love Potato pancake with hot spicy. itâ??s very delicious.
10. Many people are interested in helping Nepal post earthquake. How can people help?
Itâ??s nice to hear that many people are interested to helping Nepal. What I suggest is please visit Nepal, do trekking, climbing, pilgrims tour and many more. It help lots to Nepalese people, we all want to stand on our own feet.
Image: Tshering taking a break on the trail to Namche Bazaar.
Last month, Ryan Waters and I were in Nepal on an expedition into the Rolwaling region and we asked Tshering to help us with the logistics and porters for the 'trekking' part of our adventure. It was fun to spend time with Tshering again. In most remote places, there always seems to be a person who can get, 'things done' and Tshering is definitely that guy.
Because Tshering is a sherpa and local outfitter, I felt it could be important to share his perspective and insights. I sent a few questions and here are Tshering's replies.
Obviously, English is not Tshering's first language but I wanted to publish his response verbatim regardless.
1. What's your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
My mother gave me name Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, I got sick for long time, my mother took me several place to checked me up but I wasnâ??t getting better. At last moment she took me Lama, He changed my name as Tshering Ngima which means long live like Sun then I got well and never get sick.
2. You run the company Himalayan Trailblazers. What does HT do? What are the big challenges of running a business in Nepal?
HTB (http://www.himalayantrailblazer.com/) organize Trekking, Peak Climbing and Expedition in Nepal, HTB pick the young, energetic and honest people to serve for clients. There are more than 1000 Trekking company in Nepal, most of them are unprofessional and doing unhealthy competition. Also Government of Nepal is unstable and working with government office is too complicated.
3. You live in Lukla. What do you like about living there? What are some of the biggest challenges?
I like most the people from Lukla and around Lukla, people are very nice. We have different festival and we are proud to be participate in festival and activities. Our young friends from Lukla are thinking very much about the develop our place. Education and Electricity is the biggest challenges for all of us. If we have good education and electricity then we have many plan for upcoming future.
4. For many, Lukla is the start of their Trek to Everest Base Camp. How many times have you trekked to EBC and what is your favorite spot along the way?
I have done more then 100 times to Everest Base Camp. Everest base camp is my favorite spot.
5. You are involved in another group that is helping to expand tourism opportunities in Lukla. What projects are you looking at and why are you doing this?
Iâ??m involved in Himalayan Club Lukla which is doing expanding route, preserve the wild life, preserve forest, drinking water and sanitation and many more. Lukla is the place where many tourist fly in and out, tourist do not want to stay even one night so we plan to make good and interesting place for tourist which makes tourist to spend at least 2 days in Lukla. Iâ??m doing this because if we have more tourist then most young people get job, better life style and they have good financial so they wonâ??t go out of Country for hand to mouth. Young can change the world.
6. Recently, a new constitution was passed in Nepal. Has this improved life in Nepal? Will things get better now for the average Nepali?
We got good new constitution and we thought now we will have better life. This hasnâ??t improved our life recently, India has blockage our country, we were full depend on India for fuel, cooking propane, medicine, food and many more. I donâ??t understand why Indian Government and some of our Leaders done for Nepali. Now most of Nepalese people are getting hassle from all of these. Hope if our Government can short out the problem then we definitely have better life in Nepal.
7. What does it mean to be a Sherpa?
Sherpa is one of the ethnic group of Nepal who live in North East of Nepal. Who have been working with Foreigner in Himalaya from starting time of tourism in Nepal. They are honest, strong and helpful.
8 You've talked a lot about preserving the Sherpa culture? What is the best way to do that?
First of all we have to start from home, we have to learn and obey how our parents are doing for preserve Sherpa culture then teach our kids about Sherpa Culture, attend all the Sherpa festival, puja at monastery and follow them. We have to make good school for kids to preserve the Culture as well.
9. What is your favorite food?
I love Potato pancake with hot spicy. itâ??s very delicious.
10. Many people are interested in helping Nepal post earthquake. How can people help?
Itâ??s nice to hear that many people are interested to helping Nepal. What I suggest is please visit Nepal, do trekking, climbing, pilgrims tour and many more. It help lots to Nepalese people, we all want to stand on our own feet.
Image: Tshering taking a break on the trail to Namche Bazaar.