The mountaineering world is in mourning following the death of Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the legendary 1953 expedition that first conquered Mount Everest. The pioneering climber passed away at age 91 in Namche Bazaar, Nepal, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that shaped Himalayan exploration.
The End of an Era in Himalayan Mountaineering
Kanchha Sherpa was just 19 years old when he joined the historic British expedition led by John Hunt. While he didn't summit the world's highest peak himself, his crucial support role helped make possible one of the 20th century's most celebrated achievements: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's first successful ascent on May 29, 1953.
Witness to History
In recent interviews, Kanchha vividly recalled the expedition's challenges and triumphs. "We didn't have proper gear like today," he remembered, describing how climbers relied on basic equipment compared to modern technology. "The weather was harsh, but we were determined."
His responsibilities included carrying essential supplies to higher camps and supporting the climbing team. This behind-the-scenes work proved vital to the expedition's success, demonstrating the indispensable role Sherpa people have played in Everest's climbing history.
Preserving Living History
Until his final days, Kanchha remained actively involved with the museum at the Everest Hotel in Namche Bazaar, sharing his firsthand accounts with visitors and mountaineering enthusiasts. His passing marks the closure of a direct living connection to one of humanity's greatest adventure stories.
Legacy and Remembrance
The Sherpa community and global mountaineering circles are paying tribute to Kanchha's remarkable life. His family confirmed he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Funeral arrangements are underway in Nepal, where he'll be remembered as both a mountaineering pioneer and cherished community elder.
Kanchha Sherpa's life spanned nearly a century of Everest history, from the first tentative approaches to the mountain's now-commercialised climbing industry. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit behind one of exploration's greatest milestones.
