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Last Everest Pioneer: Kanchha Sherpa's Legendary Climb Remembered

Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the first team to summit Mount Everest in 1953, has passed away at 89 in Kathmandu. His remarkable journey began at just 17 years old when he became part of the legendary expedition that conquered the world's highest peak. Throughout his life, Sherpa remained deeply connected to mountaineering and expressed concerns about environmental challenges on Everest. His death marks the end of a historic chapter in mountaineering history, leaving an irreplaceable legacy in Nepal's climbing community.

Key Points: Kanchha Sherpa Last 1953 Everest Climber Dies at 89

  • First Everest summit team's last member dies at 89
  • Historic mountaineering journey began when he was just 17 years old
  • Warned about Everest overcrowding and environmental challenges
  • Survived by two sons and two daughters
2 min read

Last surviving member of the first team to climb Mt Everest passes away

Legendary Sherpa who first summited Mount Everest passes away, marking the end of a historic mountaineering era

"With his passing, there are no longer any surviving members of that legendary team of climbers - Phur Gelje Sherpa, Nepal Mountaineering Association President"

Kathmandu, Oct 17

Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the first successful summit of Mount Everest in 1953, passed away at the age of 89.

Sherpa, who had been unwell for quite some time, died early Thursday at his home in Kapan, Kathmandu, said Phur Gelje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

"With his passing, there are no longer any surviving members of that legendary team of climbers, which is a great loss for the entire mountaineering community," he told IANS.

His last rites are scheduled to be performed on October 20 as per Sherpa tradition.

Sherpa is survived by two sons, two daughters, and their children.

He was among the 35-member team that led Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to the summit of the 8,848.86-metre peak on May 29, 1953.

He was one of three Sherpas to reach the final camp before the summit with Hillary and Tenzing.

Born in March 1937, Kanchha was just 17 when he became part of the team that first conquered the world's highest peak.

In later years, Kanchha continued to work as a high-altitude guide.

He expressed concern about overcrowding and pollution on Mount Everest during a 2024 media interview. He urged people to respect the mountain, which the Sherpas revere as the Mother Goddess.

He also regretted that the Sherpas' contributions to the 1953 expedition were not more widely recognised.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association remembered him as a "historic and legendary figure," noting that with his passing, "a chapter of the mountaineering history has vanished".

"The Nepali tourism industry mourns the loss of this historic and legendary figure. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void," the Nepal Mountaineering Association said in a condolence message.

"Heartfelt Condolences! The Nepali tourism industry will miss you dearly. Rest in eternal peace, legend," the Nepal Mountaineering Association shared in a post on X.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's sad that Sherpas' contributions weren't properly recognized during that time. They risked their lives and did the hardest work. Kanchha Sherpa was a true hero who deserved more appreciation.
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Arjun K
What an incredible life journey! From being part of the first Everest expedition to seeing how mountaineering has evolved over decades. His warnings about respecting the mountain should be taken seriously by all climbers.
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Sarah B
As someone who has trekked in Nepal, I've seen firsthand how crucial Sherpas are to mountaineering. Kanchha's legacy reminds us that behind every famous climber, there are local heroes making it possible. Rest in peace to a true legend.
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Vikram M
His concern about overcrowding on Everest is so valid. Nowadays it's become a tourist attraction rather than a mountaineering challenge. We need to preserve the sanctity of these sacred mountains.
M
Michael C
While I respect his contributions, I wish he had spoken up earlier about the lack of recognition for Sherpas. Their stories need to be part of mainstream mountaineering history, not just footnotes. Still, a remarkable life lived!
A
Ananya R
Living history has left us. At 89, he witnessed the entire evolution of Everest climbing. His

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