Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the mountaineering team that first conquered Mount Everest in 1953, has died at the age of 92. The Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed his death early on Thursday at his home in Kapan, Kathmandu district.
Kanchha was part of the 35-member expedition that placed New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay atop the 8,849-metre peak on 29 May 1953. He was one of three Sherpas to reach the final camp before the summit. Despite his role, Kanchha never summited Everest himself, as his wife considered it too risky, and he forbade his children from becoming mountaineers.
Born in 1933 in the village of Namche, Kanchha began mountaineering at age 19 and remained active until 50. His father's friendship with Tenzing Norgay helped him secure a job as a high-altitude porter for the historic climb. He later expressed concerns about overcrowding and pollution on Everest, urging respect for the mountain revered as Qomolangma by Sherpas.
Kanchha is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters and grandchildren. Ang Tshering Sherpa of the Nepal Mountaineering Association described him as 'full of energy' and respected in the climbing community.
