From Deseret News archives:
Sherpas 'descend' to Utah
Record-holders here to endorse outdoor products
Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, with 10 summits, owns the world record for the fastest ascent — 10 hours, 56 minutes — of the world's tallest peak, at 29,035 feet (about 5.4 miles above sea level).
Few people ever try to summit Everest, and even fewer make it. Many have died trying. When Sherpas reach the peak, it's usually with a paying customer.
"When they summit, I'm also very happy," Lhakpa said Tuesday through translator Tashi Tsering Sherpa.
Those considered to be of the Sherpa people use the same last name, though they are not necessarily directly related. It's unknown exactly how many Sherpas exist. Tashi's guess is "several thousand."
Climbing is Apa's and Lhakpa's job, one that takes them to the top of the world and around the other side.
Both flew into Salt Lake City this week from Nepal to endorse Sherpa Adventure Gear, makers of "high-end" outdoor active wear.
The Seattle-based company got its start last year, which marked the 50th anniversary of the first-ever ascent of Everest, made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
Tashi, the company's founder, will translate for Apa and Lhakpa as they make appearances at the Outdoor Retailer show, which starts Friday and is open only to retailers.
"The Sherpas are truly the unsung heroes of Everest," said Jerry Mika, a sales representative for Sherpa Adventure Gear.
Sherpas frequently risk their lives for little pay or recognition to help adventure hounds paying up to $60,000 each to reach the summit. Sherpas climb because it's work that brings in a small portion of that money for their families.
One goal of Sherpa Adventure Gear is to funnel enough proceeds from the sale of its clothing to ensure that the four Sherpas, including Lhakpa and Apa, who endorse their products don't have to climb anymore — though both say they are not even thinking about retiring. The company also has set up a trust fund to benefit needy children in Nepal.
"The money will go directly to the villages," Tashi said. "My parents have always taught me to give back something. At this point in my life, I've got all I need."
Though Sherpas don't get nearly the recognition that paying customers give themselves after they summit, people like Apa and Lhakpa are well-respected in the climbing community.
"This is what has brought me fame," said Apa. How many more Everest summits does he have in him? "I really haven't decided yet."
As for those who forget that it was Sherpas who got them to the peak, Lhakpa's response is, "I'm used to it."
