Jangbu Sherpa, who has climbed the Mt. Everest for 15 times so far, reminisces a ‘touching’ moment what one of the American climbers had told him once while ascending the world’s highest peak.
Sipping hot simmering coffee at Camp 2, and looking all around, the American climber had then told him, “Jangbu, see you have gold everywhere!”
This remarks touched Jangbu. “That was a metaphoric articulation. But, it was so striking that the expression remains itched in my mind ever since,” Jangbu shared his experience. In fact, the Everest has always been magical for him with mesmeric qualities. “Yes, Nepal’s mountains are as precious as gold,” he emphasizes.
What captivates him to the dreadful climbing time and again? “It’s the white towering peak,” pat comes the reply. He adds, “Making trips with summiteers from different parts of the world gives me a sense of satisfaction blended with pleasure.”
For Jangbu who is a famed Sherpa guide and an instructor, climbing Mt Everest is a never ending dream. Therefore, he is set for the 16th ascent, this spring. Jangbu, 37, has been guiding foreign climbers for the last 18 years since he first ascended the world’s highest summit in 2003 as a porter and helper at the age of 21.
Now, he is a trained guide who leads countless treks and climbs with his clients, mostly from America, Europe and Australia.
What captivates him to the dreadful climbing time and again? “It’s the white towering peak,” pat comes the reply. He adds, “Making trips with summiteers from different parts of the world gives me a sense of satisfaction blended with pleasure.”
According to Jangbu, Nepal’s high mountains have always lured them (foreigners) since conquering the Everest is a lifelong dream for any climbers.
This season, he will be joining hundreds of climbers from several countries at the Base Camp to make a bid for the 8,848 meters tall summit.
“Yes, I am excited to climb the Everest for the 16th time this season,” an enthusiastic Jangbu said adding that the death rate in the expedition has declined in recent times. Reason: the experience gained by the climbers and the guides.
He is, however, concerned about the waste littered all around the base camps, which according to him has been creating problems giving the area a filthy look. He suggests the government needs to organize a cleaning campaign on an annual basis by entrusting at least 10 Sherpas for the task.
He is equally concerned about the government’s ambitious plan to attract at least 2 million tourists in 2020. “Merely printing advertisement t-shirts and wearing them does not work. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the government should focus more on publicity campaign,” suggests the veteran climber.
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