Kathmandu – Tsering Pemba Sherpa, a renowned Nepalese mountaineer and IFMGA-certified international mountain guide, has become a beacon of courage and resilience in the world of high-altitude climbing. Born on December 12, 1985, in the remote Rawaling Village of Gaurishankar-1, Dolakha, Tsering Pemba grew up surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks. His parents, Ang Chhiri Sherpa and Furdiki Sherpa, along with his grandparents, Nima Chhiri Sherpa and Pemfuti Sherpa, played a pivotal role in shaping his passion for the mountains and his dedication to helping others.
Tsering Pemba’s mountaineering achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. With 11 successful summits of Mount Everest out of 17 attempts, he has also conquered other challenging peaks, including 8 ascents of Manaslu, 15 of Ama Dablam, and successful climbs of K2, Broad Peak, Cho Oyu, Himlung, Kilimanjaro, Denali, and two summits of Lhotse. Additionally, he has scaled six 8,000-meter peaks, earning him recognition as one of Nepal’s most accomplished climbers.
Beyond his climbing achievements, Tsering Pemba has distinguished himself as a lifesaving hero in some of the most perilous environments. In 2010, he led a rescue operation after an avalanche on Cho Oyu, saving Nepalese and Tibetan climbers. He was a key figure in the 2012 Manaslu avalanche rescue, saving multiple lives. In 2014, during the Khumbu Icefall tragedy on Everest, he rescued his critically injured brother-in-law. Following the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, Tsering Pemba worked tirelessly to rescue over 50 injured climbers at Everest Base Camp. In 2021, he led a six-day mission to recover the bodies of three French climbers after an avalanche on Mingbo Eiger. Most recently, in 2024, he saved a Macedonian climber in critical condition during a descent on Mount Lhotse.
When not climbing, Tsering Pemba dedicates his time to mentoring aspiring mountaineers. As a winter instructor in Nepal and a summer expedition leader in Norway, he ensures the next generation of climbers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for safe ascents.
Tsering Pemba Sherpa’s legacy as both a world-class mountaineer and a compassionate rescuer has earned him admiration worldwide. His story, rooted in the Sherpa community’s rich traditions and values, is a testament to the strength and spirit of Nepalese climbers. As he continues his journey, Tsering Pemba remains an inspiration to adventurers and a symbol of hope and humanity on the world’s highest peaks.
