4 minute read
Namgyal Sherpa: In Climbing We Trust
NAMGYAL SHERPA – CEO OF SHERPA HOSPITALITY, THE OWNERS OF SHINTA MANI MUSTANG – LOST HIS MOTHER TO EVEREST WHEN HE WAS JUST 11 YEARS OLD. HE TALKS TO WILD ABOUT HIS FAMILY’S CLIMBING HERITAGE, HOW IT HELPED RECONCILE HIS FATHER TO THE TRAGEDY, AND HIS HOPES THAT NEPAL CAN BECOME CENTRAL TO WORLDWIDE ENLIGHTENMENT.
NAMGYAL, tell us about your mother, the first Nepali woman to climb Everest, and what it was like growing up and losing her.
My mother, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, stands as a towering figure in my life and the history of Nepal. As the first Nepali woman to climb Everest, she broke barriers and redefined what was possible for women in our country. Her determination was boundless, her spirit indomitable, and her loss, when I was only eleven, left a void that seemed insurmountable. Growing up without her was a challenge that took years to reconcile, as her aspirations and achievements cast a long shadow. Yet, her legacy offered a path forward, one that led me to embrace her dreams as my own guiding stars.”
How deeply ingrained is climbing in your family, and what does it represent to the Nepalese people?
Climbing is woven into our family’s fabric, with a personal connection to the Sherpa community’s heart and soul. While not all my family members are mountaineers, our lives are inherently linked to the mountains. My father’s trekking and expedition company, alongside his ascents, speak to a passion reignited after a period of grief. Climbing, particularly for the Sherpa and mountainous communities, is both a livelihood and a legacy.
What are the central beliefs held dear by all Sherpas, and how come you have the name Sherpa?
Sherpas, originating from Tibet centuries ago, settled in the Himalayas to pursue spirituality and Buddhism, which remain central to our way of life. The term ‘Sherpa’ – meaning ‘people from the east’ – has evolved from denoting our community to becoming synonymous with high-altitude porters due to historical interactions with early explorers. Despite this, it’s important to recognize Sherpa as a distinct ethnicity with its rich cultural tapestry.
How did you become involved in the Shinta Mani Mustang project, and how long have you been working on it?
The Shinta Mani Mustang initiative began as a partnership formed in the midst of the pandemic with Jason Friedman, a connoisseur in the luxury travel industry. Our collaboration has been a three-year journey of bringing to life a vision that marries cultural integrity with sustainable luxury. The Shinta Mani brand, with its roots in the rich cultural landscape of Cambodia, resonated with our ethos of authentic and transformative travel experiences. It felt like the right match to shepherd our endeavor into existence. This alignment of values and brand heritage is what makes our collective effort not just a business venture, but a culturally synergistic movement poised to redefine luxury tourism in Nepal.
How will it change life in the Mustang Valley?
The Shinta Mani Mustang project aspires to bring positive change to Mustang Valley by introducing it to discerning travelers. By unfolding the stories and the heritage of Mustang, we aim to inspire local communities, elevate their aspirations, and integrate the valley into the narrative of luxury travel, all while maintaining respect for its natural beauty and cultural integrity.
What other projects are your companies Sherpa Hospitality and Thamserku Trekking involved with?
Beyond the Shinta Mani Mustang, our group’s endeavors include the Mountain Lodges of Nepal, a network of boutique luxury lodges offering immersive experiences with comfort in Nepal’s rugged terrains. As the Managing Director of Thamserku Trekking, I oversee partnerships that provide comprehensive destination management services and organize expeditions, such as to Everest, for adventurers worldwide.
What does the future hold for the hospitality industry in Nepal?
I envision a bright future for Nepal’s hospitality sector, brimming with opportunities for growth and innovation. The industry is gradually shifting from traditional perceptions to showcasing Nepal as a versatile destination, capable of delivering world-class, experiential travel. As global interest grows in mindfulness and well-being, Nepal is strategically positioned to become a central hub for travelers seeking adventure in a contemplative landscape.
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