Kancha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic 1953 expedition that first successfully ascended Mount Everest, has died at the age of 92 in Kathmandu, Nepal. His family confirmed the news, noting that he passed away in his home, with his grandson, Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa, stating that Sherpa had been experiencing throat issues recently but had no significant health problems for someone of his age.
The Nepal Mountaineering Association expressed its condolences on social media, with president Fur Gelje Sherpa describing Kancha’s death as a profound loss for Nepal’s climbing community. “His contribution to mountaineering and tourism was invaluable and helped introduce Nepal to the world,” he wrote, highlighting Kancha as “an inspiring personality, a symbol of history and pride.”
A Legacy of Adventure and Achievement
Born as Ang Phurba Sherpa in 1932 in Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest, Kancha began his mountaineering career in his late teens. He left home to seek work in Darjeeling, where he met the legendary climber Tenzing Norgay. Norgay played a crucial role in helping him join the expedition led by Edmund Hillary, which included 103 Sherpas who supported the British-led team.
On May 29, 1953, Kancha Sherpa was part of the historic ascent when Hillary and Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848.86 meters. Since that landmark achievement, Everest has been climbed roughly 13,000 times, marking a significant evolution in the sport of mountaineering.
Remembering a Pioneer
Kancha Sherpa’s contributions to the climbing world extended beyond the heights of Everest. His journey from Namche Bazaar to becoming a pivotal figure in one of the most significant achievements in mountaineering history symbolizes the triumph of human spirit and adventure. His son, Tshering Sherpa, shared that his parents affectionately called him Kancha, a name he later embraced officially.
The loss of Kancha Sherpa has left a void in the hearts of many within the mountaineering community and beyond. Tributes continue to pour in, celebrating the life of a man who dedicated himself to the mountains and helped put Nepal on the global map as a premier destination for adventurers and climbers alike.
