The Most Famous Sherpa, Ranked

Choose the Sherpa you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 07:14
High in the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, Sherpas, known for their mountaineering prowess and invaluable guidance, play a pivotal role in assisting expeditions. Many have achieved notable feats, yet the recognition of individual contributions often remains whispered among the crevices and peaks. By ranking these skilled mountaineers, we provide a snapshot of those who have left indelible marks on the paths they've traversed. Through your votes, a more comprehensive appreciation of famous Sherpas takes shape, allowing their stories and achievements to garner broader attention and respect. This curated list not only informs prospective climbers and enthusiasts but also honors the cultural and personal accomplishments of the Sherpa community. Your participation enriches the narrative by incorporating diverse perspectives and preferences.

Who Is the Most Famous Sherpa?

  1. 1
    49
    votes
    Tenzing Norgay
    SAS Scandinavian Airlines · Public domain
    He is one of the most famous Sherpas, known for his achievement in being the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary. He is celebrated as a national hero in Nepal and India.
    Tenzing Norgay in other rankings
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    Apa Sherpa
    Mogens Engelund · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He has climbed Mount Everest 21 times, the most by any person in the world. He is also known for his efforts to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on the Himalayas.
    Apa Sherpa in other rankings
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    He has climbed Mount Everest 22 times and is known for his impressive record as a high-altitude climber.
    Phurba Tashi Sherpa in other rankings
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Ang Rita Sherpa
    RACHILE · CC BY-SA 4.0
    He is known as the "Snow Leopard" for having climbed Mount Everest 10 times without using supplemental oxygen. He is considered one of the greatest Himalayan mountaineers of all time.
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    Kami Rita Sherpa
    Vlvescovo · CC BY-SA 4.0
    He has climbed Mount Everest 25 times, the second-most by any person in the world. He is also known for his work as a guide and for his efforts to promote mountaineering in Nepal.
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    She holds the record for the most summits of Mount Everest by a woman, with 9 successful climbs. She is also known for her work as a guide and for her advocacy for women in mountaineering.
    Lhakpa Sherpa in other rankings
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Mingma Sherpa
    Thakur.ravi26 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    He is the founder of the Seven Summit Treks, which is one of the leading mountaineering companies in Nepal. He has also climbed Mount Everest multiple times and has led several successful expeditions.
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Pemba Dorjie Sherpa
    Pem Dorjee Sherpa · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He holds the record for the fastest ascent of Mount Everest, completing the climb in just 8 hours and 10 minutes. He is also known for his work as a guide and for his involvement in search and rescue operations.
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    He holds the record for the fastest ascent of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, completing the climb in just 10 hours and 56 minutes. He is also known for his work as a guide and for his advocacy for environmental conservation.
  10. 10
    13
    votes
    Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
    Krish Dulal · CC BY-SA 3.0
    She was the first Nepali woman to climb Mount Everest, and unfortunately died on her descent. She is celebrated as a trailblazer for women in mountaineering and is remembered as a hero in Nepal.

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Ranking factors for famous Sherpa

  1. Mountaineering achievements
    The fame of a Sherpa can be heavily based on their mountaineering achievements, particularly their success in climbing the world's highest peaks such as Mount Everest, K2, and others. The number of successful ascents, records, and notable feats can greatly contribute to their fame.
  2. Role in historic expeditions
    Sherpas who have played a significant role in historic mountaineering expeditions, such as being part of the first successful ascent team or assisting in groundbreaking feats, can also gain substantial fame.
  3. Cultural impact
    The impact and recognition a Sherpa has had on their own community and the wider world of mountaineering can be an important factor. This includes their contributions to Sherpa culture, promoting Sherpa traditions, and advocating for the welfare and rights of Sherpa communities.
  4. Contribution to local tourism
    Sherpas who have made significant efforts in promoting and developing local tourism, creating employment opportunities, establishing guiding companies, and contributing to the growth of the local economy can also be considered influential and famous.
  5. Media presence
    Sherpas who have gained significant media attention, whether it be through documentaries, books, interviews, or social media, can have an increased level of fame.
  6. Humanitarian work
    Sherpas who have engaged in philanthropic activities, community development projects, and initiatives that aim to improve the living conditions and educational opportunities for their communities also gain recognition and respect.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Sherpa. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Sherpa is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2339 views
  • 188 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Sherpa once every 24 hours. The rank of each Sherpa is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous sherpa

Sherpas are an ethnic group from the Himalayan region of Nepal, known for their mountaineering skills and expertise. They have a long history of guiding climbers and trekkers through the treacherous terrain of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. The Sherpas are renowned for their resilience, physical endurance, and their ability to withstand high altitudes. Over the years, many Sherpas have gained international fame for their achievements in mountaineering, including Tenzing Norgay, who was one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Today, Sherpas continue to play a crucial role in the climbing industry, serving as guides, porters, and support staff for climbers from around the world.

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