sherpa

The Sherpa are an ethnic group native to the Himalayas, primarily in eastern Nepal. They have long inhabited the Solu-Khumbu and other districts near major peaks such as Mount Everest, and form a substantial portion of the population in that region. There are also Sherpa communities in neighboring areas of India and Bhutan, as well as a dispersed diaspora abroad.

Language and religion: The Sherpa speak the Sherpa language, a Tibetic language closely related to Tibetan, and many are fluent in Nepali. Most Sherpa practice Tibetan Buddhism, often blended with local customs, and their settlements commonly feature monasteries, prayer flags, and mani walls.

Economy and society: Traditionally, Sherpa livelihoods included agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade across alpine routes. From the mid-20th century onward, many entered the mountaineering industry as guides, cooks, and porters, a role that has shaped regional economics and social structure. The Everest region, in particular, has a long history of Sherpa participation in expeditions, including the first ascent of Everest in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the latter being a Sherpa.

Names and usage: In English, sherpa can also refer to a person who acts as a guide or porter in mountainous expeditions, regardless of ethnicity. This usage stems from the prominent guiding role associated with the Sherpa people, but it is not a literal synonym for ethnicity and should be used with care.