Sherpa

Since mountaineering in the high Himalayas has been an international sport, the Sherpas of Darjeeling have attained world wide fame as tough porters and experts guides in high altitudes. Sherpa is a Tibetan word meaning, simply, 'an easterner'. They speak a dialect of Tibetan but know Nepali equally well. Originally of pure Tibetan stock and living in Sola Khambu in Nepal they have mixed with the local inhabitants.

The Sherpas still living at Sola Khambu at a height of about 14000ft above sea level are probably the highest livers in the whole Himalayan range they are usually men of tremendous stamina and can carry heavy loads at very high altitude. It is from this race that porters are recruited for expedition to the high Himalayan peaks. Their normal occupation consists of load carrying and a large number of them are found in Darjeeling town and its surrounding areas.

In their own homes the Sherpas are almost wholly Tibetan in their manners and customs. Extremely superstitious, their religion appears to be almost same as the somewhat corrupt form of Buddhism followed in adjacent Tibet. They have however, no system of caste, but it is not improbable that this may follow as the Sherpas come more and more under Hindu influence.

Eco-resorts
Tinchuley(Darj)
Rocky Island(Sams)
Karmi Firm (Darj)
Mt. Narsing(Sik)
Rinchenpong(Sik)
Martham(Sik)

Ecotourism Destinations
Chilapata
Kalijhora
Lava
Latpanchar
Lepchajagat
Loleygaon
Pedong
Rongo
Samsing
Tinchuley

The People
Drukpa
Bhutia
Rajbansi
Lepcha
Mech
Rabha
Sherpa
Nepali

Our Eco Projects
Background
Objectives
Stakeholders
Activities
Locations

Eco Resources
What is eco-tourism
Our Charter
Important links