At 360 we’ve been working with our Sherpa team in Nepal for many years and they are now firmly part of the 360 family. However, many of you won’t know very much about their personal lives.
We liased with Nima – one of our Sherpa team, and asked him a few questions about what makes him tick, what his family life is like and a few of his personal thoughts, as well. This really does shed light on a completely diferent side of Sherpa life which many people won’t get to experience or see.
We interviewed Nima Sherpa who headed out recently and guided our Khumbu 3 Peaks team.
Where do you live?
I am from Solukhumbu but i’m currently staying at Kathmandu with my family.
How was your village affected by the earthquake and how is it recovering?
It was badly affected; most of the houses in my village were damaged or completly flattened. Luckily, nobody died in our village.
What was your first mountain you climbed and what is your favourite peak?
Island Peak was my first and this is still one favourite.
Who have you worked with the longest?
I’ve worked with Himalayan Guides on many mountains so I go where there’s great climbing.
What is your best bit of kit you use on the mountain?
Suunto watch.
Most influential quote?
‘Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory’
A travel item you can’t do without?
Can never climb with my sunglasses
Favourite music song?
Resham Firiri… (can’t say we’ve heard of this band)!
What’s your weirdest birthday present ever received?
I think it has to be a mobile phone.
How did you celebrate your last birthday?
I celebrated it with my family and friend and had a ‘normal’ party. Nothing over the top!
Hardest physical challenge you have achieved?
It had to be crossing Sherpani Col. which is near Makalu and is well above 6,000m.
What would be your dream mountain to climb?
K2
If you were a cartoon who, what and why?
Motu on Motu and Patlu, to make impossible possible.
Favourite food for breakfast?
Chamba
Which climber do you admire the most in the climbing world?
Tenjing Norge Sherpa and Edmund Hillary
Funniest moment on a mountain?
The last day where we party with clients after finishing a climb.
Favourite food (healthy or not healthy)
Mo Mo
What would your dream job be if you could do anything?
Spider Man!
Do you have children?
Yes
How many brothers or sisters do you have?
I have two brothers and one sister.
Before Nima could answer any more questions, he had shot off to another mountain to guide another bunch and adventurous people to a summit. Hopefully we’ll get some more questions answered when other Sherpas come back from the mountains.
Thank you to Nima for sharing these insights.