Sherpa Cultural Survival

The Sherpa had a very strong culture throughout their whole history, but for a while it began to fade. Then after a cultural revival and an adaptation to their new ways, it now thrives in a new and perhaps improved way.

When the British had control of the Indian subcontinent in the 1920s, they began planning climbing expeditions into the Himalayan mountains and would hire Sherpa as porters. From that point on is when the Sherpa became known for their incredible ability to climb these mountains with ease. The problem was, all of these foreigners to their land coming through caused a rush of new culture and primarily new food. Once Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay were able to conquer Mt. Everest in 1953, a new rush of climbing expeditions swept through and brought with them snacks which became very popular in the Sherpa region. Climbing and Westernization became key in the Sherpa culture and to this day they still are. Climbing and tourism has brought in a new source of income and have kept the Sherpa on top as some of the most wealthiest Nepalese. Westernization has also been incorporated into their traditional culture. They are still able to hold onto traditional beliefs while also being able to interact with the modern world.