More about Sherpa Adventure GearSherpa Adventure Gear was founded in 2003 by Tashi Sherpa, who was inspired to start the company when he discovered that his uncle was one of the Sherpa on Sir Edmund Hilary’s celebrated first-ever expedition to the top of Mount Everest in 1953.
Sherpa Adventure Gear—which manufacturers apparel for mountain and outdoor adventures—honours the unsung Sherpa heroes who make high altitude Himalayan climbs possible for others by carrying the loads, laying the ropes and guiding the way. Sherpa athlete-ambassadors test and help design Sherpa Adventure Gear products, most of which are manufactured in Nepal. Sherpa Adventure Gear employs over 150 people in Nepal, and in 2009, furthered its local commitment when it opened a facility in downtown Kathmandu which houses its headquarters, the flagship Sherpa Gear House store, and The Terrace bed and breakfast. Two more stores opened in 2010, in Namche and Pokahara, Nepal. The company’s marketing and sales office is in Renton, Washington.
In 2011 Sherpa Adventure Gear establishes the Paldorje Education Fund to support the education of Sherpa children and the Joe Puryear Scholarship funds the full education of one Sherpa child, honouring the fallen American alpinist who was a close friend and trusted advisor to the company. A portion of every sale of Sherpa Adventure Gear products is contributed to this charitable organisation, which takes its name from founder Tashi Sherpa’s clan name.
Sherpa Adventure Gear is a family-run business. Tashi Sherpa and his daughter Tsedo are President and Vice President, respectively. Tashi’s wife Tseten Sherpa oversees the management of The Terrace bed and breakfast in Kathmandu. Son Tsering Sherpa looks after logistics and retail operations. Cousin Ang Phurba Sherpa, one of the trekking industry’s most respected members, is the store manager of the Sherpa Gear House; his brother Dorjee Lama Sherpa owns the store in Namche. Additionally, Scott Marble is Global Sourcing and production manager. Indra Chitrakar and Ram Kumar, Tashi’s associates for more than 27 years, are responsible for all operations in Nepal. Finally, Mingma Tenjing Sherpa, his wife Yangji Sherpa and Ang Phurba Sherpa are partners in the new store in Pokhara.
• Sherpa Adventure Gear sponsors Sherpa athletes, including Lakpa Rita Sherpa, the first Sherpa to climb the Seven Summits, and Serap Jangbu Sherpa, who is well on his way to become the first Sherpa to climb all the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. As well as UK based athlete’s Kenton Cool accomplished IFMGA guide with a record of success on Everest, where he has reached the summit ten times and Neil Gresham one of Britain’s most well known all-round climbers. Sherpa Adventure Gear are also sponsoring up and coming climber Ed Hamer, along with the GB lead climbing team.
• Nepal-based handicrafts are promoted, including hangtags and packaging made from locally made rice paper.
• Hand knit hats are a signature item—these support a cottage industry of home knitters in villages surrounding Kathmandu.
• Sherpa Adventure Gear stores in Nepal aim to marry western style retailing, merchandising, and customer service with Sherpa hospitality and wisdom.
• Sherpa Adventure Gear names its products after places in Nepal and Tibet, Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, stories, symbols and festivals, and more. Favourite garments get family names, such as the Tashi hat or Tseten jacket.
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