A book entitled Six Steps on Everest, authored by renowned mountaineer and television journalist Kami Sherpa, was officially launched in Kathmandu today amid a special ceremony organised by the Everest Summiteers Association. The event brought together prominent figures from Nepal’s mountaineering, tourism, and media sectors, reflecting the significance of the memoir within the country’s adventure and storytelling landscape.
The book was unveiled jointly by spiritual leader Tolaka Rinpoche, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association Phur Gelje Sherpa, President of ESA Maya Sherpa, along with other distinguished guests. The launch ceremony highlighted the intersection of spirituality, mountaineering legacy, and media documentation, positioning the book as both a personal narrative and a historical account of Nepal’s Everest journey.
Memoir Chronicling Everest Journeys
The memoir, published in both English and Nepali languages, traces the extraordinary life and experiences of Kami Sherpa, who successfully scaled Mt Everest six times. Edited by Yubaraj Nayaghare, the book provides a detailed account of Kami’s personal and professional journey, capturing his dual struggles in journalism and high-altitude mountaineering.
It presents a layered narrative that reflects not only his achievements on the world’s highest peak but also the challenges faced while working as a journalist documenting extreme environments. The memoir further explores the cultural and emotional dimensions of the Sherpa community, offering readers insights into resilience, identity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Through vivid storytelling, the book aims to preserve lived experiences from the Himalayas for future generations.
Message from Author Kami Sherpa
During the event, author Kami Sherpa shared that mountains and Sherpas are deeply interconnected, describing their relationship as complementary and inseparable. He emphasized that Six Steps on Everest is not only a record of mountaineering achievements but also a reflection of universal human struggles in pursuing goals and overcoming obstacles.
According to him, the memoir captures the emotional, physical, and professional challenges he encountered throughout his journey. Kami also expressed gratitude to his supporters, colleagues, and well-wishers who inspired him to document his life experiences in book form. Currently based in California, he continues to remain actively engaged in promoting Nepal, Sherpa culture, and community service initiatives, strengthening his connection with his homeland despite living abroad.
Editor and Speakers Highlight Inspirational Value
Editor Yubaraj Nayaghare noted that the book carries significant inspirational value, particularly for younger generations seeking to understand the realities of mountain life and the contributions of Sherpa communities. He stated that each chapter of Kami’s life reflects determination and resilience, making the memoir a motivational read for aspiring climbers, journalists, and researchers alike.
Senior journalist Raju Silwal, who previously supervised Kami’s work at Nepal Television, also recalled his dedication, courage, and passion for storytelling in extreme conditions. Silwal described him as a role model during his tenure at Nepal TV, particularly for his ability to report from challenging environments, including the Everest region, where he once broadcast live from the summit in 2007.
Recognition and Contribution to Tourism
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ram Krishna Lamichhane, Director General at the Department of Tourism, Chairman of the Nepal Sherpa Association Dawa Sherpa, ESA Vice-President Diwas Pokharel, and mountaineer-author Lakhphuti Sherpa, among others. Speakers collectively praised Kami Sherpa’s contributions to promoting Nepal’s adventure tourism on the global stage through both journalism and mountaineering.
Over the years, Kami has been honoured with several awards, including the Hem Sunil Risky Television Journalism Award, recognizing his excellence in visual storytelling. His landmark live broadcast from the summit of Everest in 2007 remains a historic moment in Nepali media. Participants at the ceremony emphasized that his memoir serves not only as a personal legacy but also as a valuable document showcasing Nepal’s mountaineering heritage and the enduring spirit of the Himalayas.
