While Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are celebrated for their monumental achievement of being the first to conquer Mount Everest in 1953, their success was undeniably built on the tireless efforts of an entire team of dedicated helpers. Among these vital individuals was Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of that pioneering expedition.
Kanchha Sherpa, an integral part of the Hillary-Norgay team, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 in his home in Kapan, Nepal. His death was announced by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and confirmed by their president, Phur Gelje Sherpa, to The Associated Press. Born in Namche, Nepal, in 1933, Mr. Kanchha had often noted that his exact birth date was unknown to him.
In his youth, Kanchha Sherpa faced the common struggle of many to support his family. This led him on a five-day trek in 1952 to Darjeeling, India, in hopes of finding employment.
Despite no initial passion for mountaineering, Mr. Kanchha eventually joined a formidable team of 35 climbers and hundreds of porters. Their collective mission was to support New Zealand explorer Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, in their audacious attempt on Mount Everest.
For a century, Everest had been recognized as the planet’s highest peak, yet the notion of reaching its summit remained largely a fantasy. The extreme cold, relentless winds, and dangerously thin air presented overwhelming challenges to any climber.
Notable attempts had been made, including George Mallory’s infamous 1924 expedition, where his classic motivation was, “Because it is there.” His remains were tragically discovered only in 1999.
Undeterred by such precedents, Hillary and Norgay embraced the challenge, bolstered by their extensive support crew. Kanchha Sherpa played a pivotal role, shouldering 60 pounds of gear, expertly fixing ropes, and diligently scouting the treacherous trail ahead for the team. Reflecting on the immense difficulties, including injury, bitter cold, and illness, he later remarked, “I got good work. I got good clothing. It was good for me.”
Climbing without supplementary oxygen, Mr. Kanchha was one of a select few team members who managed to reach the final base camp before the summit push. His role, like many porters, did not extend to the very top. From there, Hillary and Norgay continued their ascent, ultimately reaching the summit at 29,000 feet — an astounding five and a half miles above sea level.
Upon receiving the radio message that Hillary and Norgay had defied all odds to become the first to stand on Everest’s summit, Mr. Kanchha vividly recalled, “We danced, hugged and kissed. It was a moment of pure joy.”
He continued his work on the mountain until 1970, when a devastating avalanche prompted his wife, Ang Lhakpa Sherpa, to persuade him to retire from high-altitude climbing. He then transitioned to guiding, leading visitors to safer, lower-elevation trekking sites in the region.
Tenzing Norgay passed away in 1986, followed by Sir Edmund Hillary in 2008. Mr. Kanchha is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
In his later years, Kanchha Sherpa expressed considerable concern over the escalating number of climbers on Everest and the consequent environmental degradation. However, he also recognized the economic realities, stating, “If we stop the tourists to save the mountains, we don’t have anything to do. Just grow potatoes and eat and sit.”