Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic team that first scaled Mount Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary, has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Everest Tourism Award 2025.
In a ceremony held yesterday, the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, presented the award to Sherpa, recognizing his invaluable contributions to Nepal’s tourism sector. The award, organized by AMS Music and Management Pvt. Ltd., included a cash prize of NPR 51,151, a ceremonial shawl, and a certificate. Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Chairperson Satyakala Tamang Lama highlighted Sherpa’s enduring legacy in promoting Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
Born in 1933 in Namche, Solukhumbu, Kanchha Sherpa began his mountaineering career at the age of 20. Upon receiving the award, he expressed gratitude and voiced concerns over the visible impact of climate change on the Himalayas. “The mountains have changed drastically since our first Everest climb. The effects of climate change are most evident in the Himalayan region. It’s imperative for all to unite to mitigate these challenges,” he stated.
The ceremony also honored other notable contributors to mountaineering and adventure tourism. Qatari princess and climber Sheikha Asma Al Thani was recognized for her expeditions to Lhotse and Manaslu. Tributes were also paid to legendary figures, including late mountaineers Maurice Herzog, Shambhu Tamang, Junko Tabei, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Min Bahadur Sherchan, and others for their enduring contributions to Himalayan tourism.
In the field of mountaineering, awards were presented to Kami Rita Sherpa, Nima Rinji Sherpa, Sanu Sherpa, Purnima Shrestha, Mingma Gyelgen Sherpa, and several other accomplished climbers.
The awards also celebrated achievements in adventure tourism, with accolades given to Rajendra Bahadur Lama and Tilak Lama for canyoning, Sunrise Paragliding for paragliding, Avia Club Nepal for ultra-light flights, Tiger Tops for wildlife tourism, and The Last Resort for bungee jumping.
Recognitions extended to icefall doctors Ang Nima Sherpa, Ang Kami Sherpa, and Ang Sarki Sherpa, while mountain bikers Sonam Gurung, Rajesh Magar, and Laxmi Magar were also honored. Additionally, awards were conferred on figures like Lakpa Sonam Sherpa and institutions such as the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), and Everest View Hotel in Namche.
The event concluded with Tourism Excellence Awards being presented to contributors from diverse sectors, including actress Nisha Adhikari, Dr. Buddha Basnyat, and several organizations that have significantly supported Nepal’s tourism.