Through a Sherpa Window: Illustrated Guide to Traditional Sherpa Culture

The Sherpa are Tibeto-Burman people from the Nepal Himalaya. They are best known for their mountaineering skills as guides and porters on Himalayan expeditions. The Himalayan heights also known as death zones are stressful and difficult environments. Despite these difficulties, Sherpa guides have managed to earn a reputation as reliable, loyal, and honest workers. The culture of the Sherpa people is recognized for its conservation ethics and sense of environmental responsibility. Although, the traditional homes of the Sherpa people are located at forbidding altitudes, they have managed to make these highlands relatively safe and prosperous places to live. These successful adaptations are not purely because of luck or hard work. There are Sherpa values, ethics, and way of thinking that have an influence. This illustrated book introduces the readers to the history, material culture, spirituality and environment that shape Sherpa culture. Although, this book is written from a Sherpa perspective to increase cultural appreciation among younger Sherpa, other members of the Tibeto-Burman communities across the Nepal Himalaya will find surprising similarities and differences that are equally interesting. It will also be of interest to other readers who are interested in the indigenous culture and traditions of the Himalaya.