Sherpinis to become the new heros of Mountains

Sherpinis to become the new heros of Mountains

PUNE: The business done by Sherpas of being a guide to mountain climbers was dominated by men for all these years, but now, steadily the women of Nepal have picked up the trend and are taking up this profession seriously.

Women in North East always have been seen taking the lead, be it being the 'man' of the house or running a tea-stall on the hilly mountain ranges of Darjeeling. Now, they will lead you to the World's highest peak, Mt Everest, with their adventurous nature. The Sherpinis as they are called.

Mostly, the women in the remote areas of North East get married after completing their higher secondary education and as they see their fathers and brothers going on treks and climbing mountains, even they follow in their footsteps and many choose mountaineering as a hobby or career. Recently, the women of Nepal desired to become a Sherpini because they have been trekking or climbing mountains from a young age.

Dikki Sherpini hailing from Makalu region, the eastern part of Nepal, explains her journey from becoming just a trekker to a Sherpini. "I have been playing many sports since my young age and then started trekking from 2013. After that, I started climbing various peaks like Ramdhung Peak, Cherukuri Peak, Yala Peak and Mera Peak, which gradually went above 7,000 ft. Even while trekking, it has been several times that I have been with the crew as a tour guide and that's how I started loving this as a profession," she said.

Dikki further said, "After convincing my husband and in-laws, I completed the basic and advanced course from Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Now I am making preparations for Mount Everest. We get paid on daily wages of Rs 2,500 regardless of the days or distance."

According to Dikki, even now the girls from a young age start trekking and climb mountains and recently there has been an increase in girls taking admission to the NMA. In the coming years, along with Sherpas, Sherpinis will also rule the mountains and peaks.

Maya Sherpa has started her own trekking business after being a trekker for many years, along with being a trekking guide.

Maya Sherpa said, "I started trekking in 2001 and in 2003, I and my husband started a company named 'Parivar Trek.'

Maya further added, "Several times, people have discouraged my family members because I had taken up this profession. Unlike India, where the number of women taking up trekking and mountaineering is increasing at an impressive rate, in Nepal, it isn't the same. I am unsure if it is lack of interest or simply fear of the mountains. But now surprisingly the women are taking up the profession of being a 'guide' while the mentality of the locals has also changed a lot."

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com