About Sherpas

Introduction To Sherpas

Sherpas are the originally Tibetan ethnic group chiefly residing in the mountainous regions of Nepal, Sikkim state of India, and Tingri county(Tibet). They have lived in the Himalayas for centuries and are known for their skill and stamina as mountaineers and guides. Sherpa has played a crucial role in the history and development of mountaineering. During the 20th century, Sherpa was first employed as porters by European explorers, and quickly established a reputation as skilled and reliable guides.

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history

The word “Sherpa” is made of two words “sher” meaning EAST and “pa” meaning PEOPLE, according to the Sherpa language. So, It references their origins to Khams, Eastern Tibet. As they were nomadic originally, they began to migrate to Nepal during the 15th century. It is believed that four groups migrated from Khams(Tibet) to Solu-Khumbu(Nepal) at different times, creating four different Sherpa Clans:-

1. Chawa
2. Minyagpa
3. Sertawa
4. Thimmi

Through recent studies on them, it is found that they have developed a genetic mutation to be able to cope with extremely high altitudes by increasing red blood cells, which eventually helps in increasing their oxygen-carrying capacity.

Language

They have their own language called Sherpali or simply Sherpa language. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan family. It is written in Tibetan script. Sherpas are bilingual they speak both Sherpali and Nepali according to their need.

Religion

Sherpas are followers of Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingmapa sect. Nyingmapa is the oldest sect in Tibet. It incorporates Shamanistic practices and various local deities borrowed from the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. It is almost impossible for us to distinguish between Buddhism and Bon practices. Sherpas also believe in various gods and demons, who may inhabit in nearest Mountains and forests. Aside from this, they also worship Mountains. They worship Mount Everest, calling Chomolungma ( Mother of the word). Similarly, Mount Makalu is The deity of Shankar (Shiva). They worship in Monasteries or Gumbas.

Culture and Tradition

Sherpa has a unique culture and way of life that is well-suited to the harsh mountain environment. Their culture is known for its kind and welcoming nature to outsiders. Their culture is closely related to Tibetan people. They celebrate various festivals and other celebrations throughout the year. The major festivals include Losar, Dumje, Mani Rimdu, etc. The Losar, which marks the new year in the Tibetan Calendar falls in the month of February. It is celebrated with dancing singing, drinking, and feasting. Dumje is another festival that falls in July and is celebrated for good health and prosperity.

Mani Rimdu is also another important celebration of the Sherpa people in Nepal. It falls in the month of October or November and lasts for about 19 days. Most of the days are celebrated with family, while the last 3 days are celebrated with the public. We can witness famous masked dancers dance at Tengopche’s Monastery.

Sherpa people are given their names on the basis of the days of the week on which they were born. For eg:- “Nima Sherpa” is given to those who were born on Sunday. Other are given below:-

• Sunday: NIma Sherpa
• Monday: DAwa Sherpa
• Tuesday: Mingma Sherpa
• Wednesday: Lhakpa Sherpa
• Thursday: Phurba/Fura/Furba/Phura Sherpa
• Friday; Pasng Sherpa
• Saturday: Pemba Sherpa

Clothing

Sherpa clothing is somehow similar to the Tibetan people. Sherpas wear long shirts and pant-like garments made of wool and which are covered by a thick wraparound robe (Bakhu) with fastens at the side and goes below to knees. Below their knees, they wear high thick woolen boots. A sash is belted around the waist. Women’s dresses are mainly multicolored. Upper items are colored Red, Green, or Blue while boots are tied with colorful garters. These type of traditional dress are slowly losing their identity as much younger youth nowadays wears Western-made high-altitude clothes.

Cuisine

The cuisine is highly influenced by the harsh Mountainous Terrain. Their cuisine includes high-calorie and carbohydrate food items, vegetables, and occasionally meats. Some of the cuisines are included below:

• Thupka:- It is also known as sherpa stew. It is a thick noodle soup with vegetables, eggs, or meats. It is served with a little spicy. It is considered as n winter delicacy in the Himalayas.
• Butter Tea:- It is Tea, served with salt and butter. It is served at all meals or as breakfast.
• Alu Ko Roti:- It is a pancake made of potato, flour, and egg. It is served with spicy chili and sauces.
• Thenthuk: It is similar to Thupka but the noodle ingredient is different. It is more spicy than Thupka.

Besides this, Sherpa people also consume different types of alcohol, one of the popular ones is CHHAANG, which is a homemade beer from barley, maize, millet, or other grains. CHHAANG has symbolic and ritual significance in Sherpa society. It is served on daily days as well as in various celebrations and occasions.

Livelihood and lifestyle

Traditionally, Sherpa people have been farmers, herders, and traders. Traditionally Sherpa live in a house made of mud and stone. They grow crops like barley, potatoes, and turnips, while herding yaks, goats, and sheep for milk, wool, and meat. Sherpa traders have been involved in the Trans-Himalayan trade, carrying goods between the high mountain passes and the lowland plains. Sherpa people are also known for their skill in mountaineering and many of them work as guides and porters for trekking and climbing expeditions in the Himalayas.

In the present day, The lifestyle of sherpa in Nepal is changing due to modernization and urbanization. With increasing access to education and job opportunities in the cities, many Sherpa people are leaving their traditional livelihood and way of life behind to seek better economic opportunities.

Recreation

Sherpa’s means of entertainment are limited to their traditional pastimes of singing and dancing. They are also fond of drinking beer. horseplay and wrestling are popular means of sports.

Social problems

The livelihood of the Sherpa people in Nepal is highly developed in agroindustry and tourism. They are highly fond of drinking alcoholism and are facing related health problems. Though Tourism has provided them with wealth, serious Environment damage has also occurred. The migration of wealthy Sherpas to Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal for better education and the future indicates the changing of Sherpa society.

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