The mountaineering community is in mourning today following the announcement that Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the legendary 1953 expedition that first conquered Mount Everest, has died at the age of 91.
The End of a Historic Era
Sherpa passed away peacefully at his home in Namche Bazaar, Nepal, surrounded by family members. His death marks the closing of a significant chapter in mountaineering history, as he was the final living participant from the team that made the first confirmed ascent of the world's highest peak.
"He was the last treasure of the 1953 expedition," declared Tashi Sherpa, his grandson, confirming the sad news to international media.
Supporting Role in Mountaineering History
While Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay achieved global fame for reaching the summit on May 29, 1953, Kanchha Sherpa played a crucial supporting role as one of the expedition's high-altitude porters. At just 19 years old, he helped establish the final camp from which the historic summit push was launched.
"We carried the loads to the South Col at 7,900 metres (26,000 feet)," Sherpa recalled in a 2014 interview, demonstrating the vital logistical work that made the summit success possible.
Preserving Everest's Legacy
In his later years, Kanchha Sherpa became a revered elder and custodian of Everest's history. He dedicated much of his life to sharing stories of that groundbreaking expedition and advocating for the Sherpa community's recognition in mountaineering achievements.
The 1953 British expedition, led by Colonel John Hunt, represented a triumph of human endurance and international cooperation, occurring just days before Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
Mountaineering Community Pays Tribute
Nepal's tourism department confirmed Sherpa's passing, highlighting his enduring contribution to the country's mountaineering heritage. The climbing community worldwide has begun sharing tributes to the man who witnessed mountaineering history firsthand.
Kanchha Sherpa's legacy continues through his family, with many relatives remaining active in the mountaineering industry that has become so vital to Nepal's economy and cultural identity.
