A Known Name
Nepal is home to nearly fifty ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and history. Among them, the Sherpa community makes up only 0.53% of Nepal’s population yet their name is recognized around the world.
The term “Sherpas” has come to mean much more than an ethnic identity. A “sherpa” might refer to the person guiding climbers to the highest peaks, or even the advisor accompanying world leaders to international summits. You’ll also find “Sherpa” as the name of brands, associations, and even stores. But behind this well-known name lies a deep and fascinating story of migration, adaptation, and faith.
Meaning of the Name
The word Sherpa comes from two Tibetan words:
- “Sher” meaning east
- “Pa” meaning people
So, Sherpa literally means “people from the east.” Their ancestors came from Kham, in eastern Tibet, before settling in the Himalayan regions of Nepal.
Origins and Migration
In the 15th century, Mongol invasions forced a nomadic tribe known as the drog pa to migrate westward over 2,000 kilometers from their homeland in Tibet.
Their journey was far from peaceful. When the troops of Sultan Sa’id Kha advanced, the nomads had to move again. Some clans went south into Sikkim, while others crossed into what is now Nepal, likely through the Nang La Pass (5,800m), west of Mount Everest.
First Settlements
As they entered Nepal, the Sherpa clans spread along the Dudh Khosi River.
- Some moved into Solu, a region of gentle hills and moderate altitude.
- Others stopped in Pharak (2,700m–3,000m), within the deep river gorges.
- The remaining groups settled in Khumbu (3,000m–3,500m), closer to the high peaks.
The earliest clans likely displaced the Kiranti inhabitants in Solu, while later arrivals settled the higher valleys.
Expansion Beyond Solu-Khumbu
Today, Sherpa communities live beyond their traditional homeland of Solu-Khumbu. You’ll find them in:
- Rolwaling Valley, connected to Khumbu via the Lapcha La Pass
- Helambu, north of Kathmandu
These regions remain deeply tied to Sherpa traditions, language, and Buddhist faith.
The Kampa Connection
The Sherpas’ ancestors came from Kham, whose people the Kampas were once known in Tibet for being fierce and independent. The Kampas were feared as warriors and sometimes labeled as outlaws.
When the Dalai Lama fled Tibet, it was the Kampas who escorted him. Even after the Chinese invasion, Kampa fighters continued their resistance from bases inside Nepal.
Buddhism in Tibet
The story of Sherpa religion begins with Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Before that, Tibetans practiced Bön, a native spiritual tradition filled with rituals and symbolism.
While Tibetan Buddhism absorbed many Bön elements, it distanced itself from practices like human sacrifice.
The Bön Tradition
Bön religion and monasteries still survive in Nepal today. Interestingly, they practice certain rituals in reverse to Buddhism:
- Their swastika turns to the left
- They walk clockwise, to the right, around chörtens (stupas)
This ancient faith remains poorly documented, yet it continues to influence Himalayan culture.
Sherpa Buddhism
Most Sherpas follow the Nyingmapa sect also known as the Red Hats one of the oldest schools of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama, on the other hand, is the spiritual leader of the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect.
Despite these distinctions, Sherpa Buddhism blends ritual, meditation, and reverence for nature into a deeply spiritual way of life, one that harmonizes with the mountains they call home.
Final Thoughts
The Sherpas are much more than mountain guides. They are descendants of ancient nomads, skilled settlers of the world’s highest valleys, and keepers of a spiritual legacy that connects Tibet and Nepal. Their name has become a symbol of trust, resilience, and humility qualities as enduring as the Himalayas themselves