The Vital Role of Sherpas on Mt Everest: Secrets Behind Their Success
Jun 23, 2025
The sherpas are the backbone of every Everest expedition. Known for their strength and mountain wisdom, they guide, carry, and support climbers through some of the harshest terrain on Earth. Their role is vital to every summit success.
byTrisha Pillay
Jun 23, 2025
16 min read
If you're trekking to Mount Everest, you’re bound to meet the Sherpas, the resilient mountain community who are often dubbed the backbone of every Everest expedition. They have become well-known for their climbing skills and their ability to excel at high altitudes. Sherpas have lived for generations in Nepal’s Himalayas, a region known for its harsh climate and stunning beauty.
Follow Alice’s Puru was amazed by the wonderful hospitality he received from the locals after a recent trek to Mera's Peak:
“It was amazing to see how content they are with the little they have.”
Puru and Sonam from Follow Alice with climbers, sharing a moment on the trail.
Despite living with few material possessions, the Sherpas lead deeply fulfilling lives rooted in community, tradition, and a profound respect for nature, reminding visitors that there is much more to life than material things.
The term Sherpa means “people from the east,” as they originally migrated from the Kham region of Tibet to Nepal between the 12th and 15th centuries, which will be explained in more detail later on. Today, they are just one of more than 100 ethnic groups in Nepal, but their role in mountaineering, particularly around Mount Everest, has made them globally recognised. It's amazing to see how they have adapted over the centuries to life at high altitude. Sherpas are known for their extraordinary endurance and acclimatisation to thin air. Interestingly, when they descend to sea level, they may experience discomfort similar to what lowlanders feel at high altitudes.
Another interesting fact is that there is a difference between Sherpas and sherpa. While “sherpa” (with a lowercase s) has become a general term in the trekking and mountaineering world, it refers to a support crew member on an expedition someone who carries gear, sets up and packs down tents, assists with meals (usually prepared by the camp cook), and accompanies clients during the day to guide them, offer encouragement, and provide help if they become tired or unwell. Importantly, the word sherpa is derived from Sherpa (with a capital S), the name of an ethnic group native to the Himalayas. Historically, all expedition sherpas were members of the Sherpa community. Today, however, trekking and climbing support staff come from various ethnic backgrounds in Nepal. So while the term "sherpa" is widely used, it’s important to acknowledge the distinction and respect the cultural identity of the Sherpa people.
Local sherpas carrying heavy loads over 40 kgs on the tricky terrain of the frozen Zanskar River.
For centuries, Sherpas were not just skilled climbers and guides; they are known to this day as caretakers of the mountain and hold deep spiritual respect for the peaks they call home. Their culture is rooted in values like hospitality, humility, and reverence for nature. Since the mid-20th century, when Mount Everest became a destination for climbers from around the world, Sherpas have played an important role in leading and supporting expeditions. The most iconic moment in this history came in 1953, when Tenzing Norgay Sherpa accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to the summit of Everest. Since then, many Sherpas have gained acclaim for their mountaineering achievements.
The Sherpa people, often called Sherwa or Sharwa in their mother tongue, are one of Nepal’s most well-known ethnic groups. As people coming from the east, it reflects their origins in the Kham region of eastern Tibet.
Mountain crew and trekkers on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Why did Sherpas move closer to Mt Everest?
Between the 12th and 15th centuries, Sherpa ancestors began migrating across the Himalayas in search of fertile pasturelands, likely due to religious differences with the dominant Mahayana Buddhist tradition in Tibet. In the 18th century, the Kingdom of Gorkha unified Nepal, incorporating the Sherpa-inhabited regions in 1773. As a peaceful community, Sherpas were granted a degree of political autonomy. Despite outside influences, they preserved their culture, language, and Buddhist traditions.
According to oral histories, Sherpas crossed the Himalayas at different times, eventually settling in the Solu-Khumbu region of eastern Nepal’s Koshi Province. The Sherpas’ new homeland sat at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,300 metres (10,000–14,000 feet), and they adapted remarkably to life in this challenging environment. Over time, these clans expanded into about 20 lineages, passed down through the male line. Their bodies evolved to produce more red blood cells, enabling them to cope with low oxygen levels, and their way of life focused on yak herding, farming, and trade with Tibet. The timing and location of each family's arrival helped determine which of the four main Sherpa clans they belonged to: Minyagpa, Thimmi, Sertawa, or Chawa.
Today, most Sherpa people live in the Solu-Khumbu region, near the southern base of Mount Everest. Often called the heartland of the Sherpa community, this area remains culturally and spiritually significant. However, Sherpa settlements extend beyond this iconic region. Some live further east in the Kulung area, while others are found in the scenic valleys of the Dudh Kosi and Rolwaling Rivers to the west. To the north, Sherpa communities also exist in the Langtang-Helambu region near the Tibetan border. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is also home to a growing Sherpa population. Outside of Nepal, small but longstanding Sherpa communities exist in the Indian hill towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, where many migrated in the early 20th century to work in mountaineering and trade.
Traditionally, Sherpas were alpine pastoralists who moved seasonally with their herds of yaks and cattle. They also cultivated hardy crops like barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, and traded salt, wool, and rice. During the bitter winters, older generations and children stayed in highland villages while younger men travelled to lower elevations for trade and pasture.
The Sherpas developed unique skills for surviving and navigating mountain terrain, including the safe crossing of ice fields, crevasses, and avalanche zones. Their lifestyle and physical adaptations laid the foundation for their future role in Himalayan mountaineering.
A Sherpa couple are going to the local market in Annapurna, Nepal
It wasn’t until the 20th century, with the arrival of British expeditions to Mount Everest (Chomolungma in Tibetan), that Sherpas gained global recognition. Though they viewed Everest as sacred and didn’t climb it themselves, their unparalleled mountaineering skills made them invaluable to foreign climbers. In 1924, two members of a British expedition team, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, were seen just 800 feet (244 meters) from the summit, before being engulfed by bad weather. Though Mallory’s body was eventually found in 1999, it could not be established whether he or Irvine actually reached the summit, as nothing was found on him to prove it. The mystery remains unsolved to this day
It's from the first British expeditions in the 1920s to the historic 1953 ascent by Tenzing Norgay (a Sherpa) and Edmund Hillary, Sherpas became synonymous with Himalayan mountaineering. Norgay is widely celebrated as the most iconic Sherpa in history. His ascent of Mount Everest with Hillary catapulted him to global fame. The achievement highlighted not only his extraordinary courage and skill but also the vital role of Sherpa climbers in high-altitude mountaineering. Tenzing’s name has since become synonymous with adventure and exploration, and he continues to inspire Sherpa communities and mountaineers around the world. Since then, their support has been essential to almost every successful Everest expedition. Without them, it's widely accepted that few climbers could reach the summit.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are seen together
With the influx of foreign climbers and trekkers came cultural exchange. Many Sherpas began adopting elements of Western dress and lifestyle to cater to tourists, while Westerners incorporated aspects of Sherpa culture, such as hanging prayer flags at base camps. This blending created a unique hybrid culture, visible in cowboy hats worn by Sherpas and Buddhist symbols displayed by foreigners.
Yet, this exposure also brought challenges. The term "Sherpa" has become commercialised and is often wrongly applied to all mountain support staff in Nepal, regardless of ethnicity. Despite this, true Sherpa communities have maintained a strong cultural identity and continue to play a vital role in the mountain tourism economy.
Today, Sherpa culture remains vibrant. Their distinctive dress, woollen cloaks for men and striped aprons for women, endures in many areas, alongside prized jewellery made of silver, coral, turquoise, and dzi stones. While most Sherpas live in the Solu-Khumbu region, there are communities in Helambu, along the Sikkim border, and even in parts of western Nepal.
A Sherpa woman carries her crop down to the village to sell it there
Despite tourism pressures and the spread of modernisation, the Sherpa people have managed to sustain their traditions, values, and Buddhist faith. Thanks to the visibility brought by Everest tourism and the efforts of Sherpa-led organisations, many communities now benefit from improved education, healthcare, and infrastructure, while continuing to honour their ancestral heritage.
For over 60 years, sherpas have been the beating heart of Everest climbing expeditions. These high-altitude mountaineers have helped thousands of adventurers reach the world’s highest peak, guiding them across treacherous terrain that tests even the most experienced climbers. Known for their extraordinary endurance and deep mountain knowledge, Sherpas are more than porters or guides; they are the soul of any Himalayan climbing journey.
A climbing expedition in Nepal is a life-changing experience. But it’s not just about reaching the summit, it’s about who gets you there. No Everest expedition would be possible without sherpas. They lead the way, carry heavy loads, establish safe routes, and set up high-altitude camps. They cook your meals, fix ropes and ladders, and are often the ones who come to the rescue when things go wrong. Above 5,000 metres, when every step is a struggle and oxygen is thin, Sherpas are your lifeline.
A sherpa porter on the Everest Base Camp Trek
The Sherpa people have lived in the shadow of the Himalayas for centuries. They know the landscape, the climate, and the risks better than anyone. Their unmatched skill and resilience have made Nepal's climbing and trekking industry what it is today. Since the historic first ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, Sherpas have been at the forefront of mountaineering in Nepal.
Yet their work is not without danger. Sherpas routinely traverse hazardous terrain like the Khumbu Icefall, infamous for its shifting ice towers and avalanche risk, multiple times during a single expedition. They shoulder immense physical burdens, and too often, the risks they take are underappreciated. Despite this, their commitment remains unwavering. Sherpas consistently put the safety of their clients first, even when it means risking their own lives.
Mountaineering has brought both opportunity and hardship to the Sherpa community. On the one hand, it has created jobs and raised living standards in remote mountain villages. On the other hand, commercial pressures have led to overcrowding on Everest and an increased toll on Sherpas, both physically and emotionally. Thankfully, greater recognition of their role is growing, and there is a push for more ethical expedition practices that prioritise Sherpa wellbeing.
In recent years, sherpas have also stepped into leadership roles, running their own guiding companies and leading summit pushes. These Sherpa-led expeditions not only showcase their world-class mountaineering expertise but also empower local communities. Many are now actively involved in conservation efforts, working to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism on Everest.
When you trek or climb in the Himalayas, you’re not just following a route—you’re following in the footsteps of legends. Sherpas are more than guides; they are mentors, caretakers, and custodians of the mountains. They are the quiet force behind every summit success.
While the Sherpa people are world-famous for their high-altitude climbing expertise, they’re not the only ethnic group involved in Himalayan expeditions. Nepal is home to many indigenous communities, like the Tamang, Magar, Gurung, and Rai, who have long supported trekking and mountaineering as guides, porters, and climbers. Still, Sherpas have become the most recognised name in the world of mountaineering, thanks to their exceptional skills and their historic connection to Everest.
Sherpas’ reputation as elite climbers comes from a unique combination of factors. Generations of living at high altitude have given them physiological traits, like better oxygen efficiency and faster acclimatisation, that make them especially suited to life in the death zone. But it’s not just biology: their deep-rooted knowledge of the mountains, combined with cultural values like resilience, teamwork, and humility, has made them invaluable companions on some of the world’s toughest climbs.
That said, not all Sherpas are climbers. Many work in farming, tourism, education, or run businesses. The mountaineering Sherpas, though, have become cultural icons—symbols of courage, perseverance, and quiet strength. While they are vital to the success of Himalayan expeditions, their identity goes far beyond the slopes of Everest.
Training and skills of sherpas
Sherpas are renowned for their unmatched strength, endurance, and expertise in high-altitude mountaineering. But their abilities are not simply the result of genetics or tradition. Sherpas undergo training and possess a deep understanding of both the mountains and the demands of modern climbing. Their skills are honed over years of experience, making them essential to the success and safety of any Himalayan expedition.
Living at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,300 metres, Sherpas naturally develop cardiovascular fitness from a young age. Studies have shown that Sherpas have unique physiological adaptations that allow their bodies to use oxygen more efficiently at high elevations, including higher nitric oxide production and improved capillary density. But even with these natural advantages, sherpas involved in trekking and climbing expeditions follow rigorous physical routines to maintain their fitness.
Many sherpas begin their careers by working as porters, gradually gaining experience with altitude and acclimatisation. Regular treks across steep terrain with heavy loads build incredible leg strength and endurance. During climbing season, sherpas often make multiple trips up and down a mountain to carry gear and supplies, which further improves their conditioning.
Sherpas are highly skilled in technical climbing and route finding. They are trained in rope fixing, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and the use of mountaineering equipment like crampons, ice axes, and oxygen systems. Senior climbing sherpas, often called Sirdars, are responsible for managing logistics, assessing weather and avalanche risks, and ensuring client safety.
Many professional sherpas undergo formal training through Nepal’s mountaineering institutions, such as the Khumbu Climbing Centre in Phortse and the Nepal Mountaineering Association’s courses. These programmes focus on advanced rescue techniques, first aid, and sustainable mountain practices.
Their local knowledge of the Himalayan terrain, combined with years of hands-on experience, makes Sherpas not only expert climbers but also wise decision-makers in the unpredictable conditions of the high mountains. Their ability to read weather patterns, assess snow stability, and adapt quickly in emergencies is what often makes the difference between success and failure on the mountain.
In today’s world of high-altitude climbing, Sherpas are regarded as some of the finest mountaineers on the planet. Their role is absolutely central to the success of major expeditions, especially on peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Whether acting as lead guides, porters, or summit climbers, sherpas handle the demanding logistics behind every ascent, carrying heavy loads, setting up camps at dizzying altitudes, managing food and gear, and often leading the charge up technical routes.
Sherpas are uniquely equipped for this work. Thanks to generations spent living at high elevations, they possess rare genetic adaptations that help them acclimate more quickly and perform physical tasks in low-oxygen environments. This makes them faster, more efficient, and safer in high-altitude zones where most climbers struggle to breathe, let alone move with confidence.
But with this unmatched skill comes great risk. Sherpas regularly face the most dangerous sections of the mountains, like the notorious Khumbu Icefall on Everest, multiple times per expedition. The threat of avalanches, rockfalls, crevasses, and altitude-related illness is constant. Tragedies such as the 2014 Everest avalanche, which killed 16 sherpas, serve as a reminder of the heavy toll this work can take.
While Sherpas are increasingly being recognised for their critical contributions, with calls for better pay, insurance, and safety protocols, their role goes far beyond physical labour. They are the soul and heartbeat of Himalayan mountaineering: experienced, intuitive, and fiercely loyal to both the mountains and the climbers they guide. Every successful summit owes a silent debt to the strength, courage, and wisdom of the sherpa
Climbers over the Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal.
Sherpa guides
There is nowhere on Earth where mountain climbing, arguably the pinnacle of adventure tourism, is more alive than in Nepal. With 10 of the world’s 14 highest peaks soaring above 8,000 metres, including Mount Everest at 8,848 metres, Nepal has become the ultimate destination for high-altitude dreams. For the Sherpa people, this global fascination with Himalayan summits has brought both opportunity and sacrifice.
Mountaineering has undoubtedly transformed the Sherpa community's lives, offering livelihoods that far exceed the national average. Yet the reality is complex. While sherpas earn more than many of their fellow Nepalis, their compensation still falls short compared to what Western guides and foreign expedition companies take home. Mountain climbing has a pyramid of profit, with the greatest financial rewards concentrated at the top. Sherpas, despite being the backbone of every expedition, often find themselves near the base of this economic structure.
As travellers and climbers, recognising the sherpas’ (the guides) critical contributions and advocating for their fair treatment is not just respectful, it’s essential. While their footsteps may lead others to the top of the world, it’s time the world helped uplift them in return.
Here at Follow Alice, we strive to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to run a successful business as a local leader in their country. All of our local leaders and their teams are an integral part of the Follow Alice family. If you want to find out more, why not book a tour with our sherpas?
