The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the legendary 1953 Mount Everest expedition team. Sherpa, who played a crucial role in the historic summit that first placed humans atop the world’s highest peak, passed away on Thursday.
On Friday, a high-level NMA delegation led by President Mr. Fur Gelje Sherpa, along with Senior Vice President Mr. Iswari Paudel, Second Vice President Mr. Bodh Raj Bhandari, General Secretary Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, Treasurer Ms. Sumi Lama, and other board members, visited the late Sherpa’s residence in Kapan, Kathmandu, to extend their heartfelt condolences to his family.
A Historic Figure in Nepal’s Mountaineering Legacy
Kanchha Sherpa was a member of the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition, the first successful attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. The expedition, led by Colonel John Hunt, saw Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal reach the summit, an achievement that forever changed the course of mountaineering history.
Then a young man, Kanchha Sherpa worked as a porter on the expedition, supporting the climbers by carrying loads across treacherous terrain, enduring extreme weather, and playing a silent yet indispensable role in the success of the mission. His participation symbolized the courage and resilience of the Sherpa community, whose contributions have been foundational to the success of Nepal’s mountaineering industry.
Sherpa’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era in mountaineering history, closing the final living link to the original Everest pioneers who made Nepal synonymous with the spirit of adventure and perseverance.
NMA’s Tribute and State Recognition Proposal
During the condolence visit, President Fur Gelje Sherpa shared that the NMA held an emergency board meeting on Thursday immediately after learning of Sherpa’s passing. In that meeting, the association unanimously resolved to recommend state honors for Kanchha Sherpa in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Nepal’s mountaineering heritage.
“We have decided collectively that Kanchha Sherpa deserves to be honored with full state recognition,” said President Sherpa. “We are in active coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) to ensure this tribute is carried out appropriately.”
He further expressed that the nation owes a great debt of gratitude to Sherpa and his contemporaries, whose sacrifices and achievements helped build the foundation for Nepal’s world-renowned mountaineering and adventure tourism industry.
Call to Preserve His Legacy for Future Generations
In his remarks, President Sherpa also encouraged the family to consider donating items of historical significance from Kanchha Sherpa’s personal collection to the International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara. Such artifacts, including photographs, expedition gear, or personal memorabilia, would serve as valuable educational exhibits for visitors from Nepal and around the globe.
“These items would inspire countless young climbers and remind the world of Nepal’s proud mountaineering history,” Sherpa said, noting that the IMM already houses exhibits dedicated to early Everest expeditions and their Sherpa heroes.
Presence of Senior Officials and Community Leaders
The condolence visit saw the participation of several NMA officials and staff members. Mr. Gokul Thapa, Ms. Nisha Bhote, and Mr. Furi Geljen Sherpa represented the NMA Secretariat, while Mr. Rinje Sherpa, Mr. Thakur Prasad Dharel (President of NMA Bagmati Provincial Committee), and Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Jinesh Sindurakar joined the delegation to pay their respects.
The group offered traditional Buddhist prayers and khadas, expressing their solidarity with the bereaved family and acknowledging Kanchha Sherpa’s invaluable contribution to Nepal’s mountaineering community.
With the passing of Kanchha Sherpa, Nepal and the world bid farewell to a direct witness of one of humanity’s most celebrated achievements. His legacy, built on humility, hard work, and dedication, continues to inspire generations of climbers who follow in the footsteps of the Everest pioneers.
The NMA has pledged to continue honoring the contributions of early Sherpa mountaineers by preserving their stories and ensuring their names remain enshrined in Nepal’s national memory. As Nepal prepares to celebrate 72 years since the first Everest ascent, Kanchha Sherpa’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit that made the impossible possible.
