Sherpa people

Hello! We are the Sherpa people, and we want to share our story with you. Our name, Sherpa, means “people from the east.” This name tells the story of our ancestors, who began a long journey hundreds of years ago. Around the 1500s, they migrated from their homes in a place called Tibet. To migrate means to move to a new place to live. They traveled across the giant, snowy Himalayan mountains to find a new home in what is now the country of Nepal.

Our home is in the Khumbu valley, a beautiful area nestled beside the tallest mountains on Earth. The most famous of these great peaks is Mount Everest, but in our language, we call it Chomolungma. Living so high up means we have special ways of life that fit our environment. We are farmers, and on the terraced fields on the mountainsides, we grow potatoes and barley. These crops grow well in the cool, thin air. We also raise strong animals called yaks. With their thick, shaggy coats, yaks are perfectly suited for the cold weather. They help us by carrying heavy loads, and they also give us milk and wool. We all work together in our villages, living and thriving in one of the highest places people call home.

Our culture and beliefs are very important to us. Most of us practice Buddhism, a faith that guides our way of life. Throughout our villages, you can find monasteries, which are special, peaceful places for learning and worship. You will also see one of the most beautiful parts of our culture: colorful prayer flags. We string these rectangular flags up on homes, hills, and mountain passes. We believe that when the wind blows, it carries the good wishes and prayers written on the flags across the land for all beings to share. This is one way we show our connection to the mountains and to our faith.

Because we have lived in these high mountains for generations, we are known for our skill as mountaineers. Our bodies are naturally adapted to the high altitude, where the air has less oxygen. This helps us stay strong and healthy on the steep slopes. For a long time, we have worked as expert guides for climbers who travel from all over the world to visit the Himalayas. We help them find safe routes and carry supplies up the tall peaks. One of the most famous Sherpa mountaineers in history was Tenzing Norgay.

Today, our lives are a mix of our ancient traditions and modern ways. Many of our families still live in our mountain villages, farming the land and keeping our customs alive. But our world has also grown. We run businesses that help tourists who come to see our beautiful home. Our children go to school to learn about the world, just like you. We are proud to be Sherpa, and we work to carry our unique culture into the future while being an active part of today's world.