Sherpas can show the way, but Himalayan achievement atop Mt Everest is lonely feat | Goa News
Panaji: At the 14th edition of the D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas at Kala Academy, Panaji, adventurer and photographer Aditya Gupta explored the complexity of the Sherpa-climber relationship, shedding light on their roles as important guides in the dynamic of high-altitude expeditions.
Gupta began by acknowledging the role Sherpas play in mountaineering, particularly in dangerous and unpredictable terrains such as Mt Everest. He described two starkly contrasting types of Sherpas encountered on expeditions—the ones who risk everything to save climbers in peril, and the ones who may not provide the same level of support.
“There are very heroic ones who will do whatever it takes to save you and there are those who will not do anything even as you get more and more vulnerable in the journey. Sometimes they are aggressive and part of it is to egg you on but it’s not always very supportive,” he said.
Gupta’s personal experience with the Sherpas revealed that during a mountaineering expedition, he had been abandoned by his Sherpa at a particularly perilous moment. This experience forced him to continue without the usual support and guidance. Gupta emphasised the importance of perseverance and the mental strength required to complete the journey
“Summiting Mt Everest is like winning an Oscar for adventure. There is no time to brood over and complain when your Sherpa leaves you. Even though they were not there at the climax of my trip, they were there during most of the climb and deserve credit for it. However, it enhanced my confidence when I could keep going without them,” he said.
Gupta also discussed the 2014 Sherpa strike due to the Mt Everest avalanche, which led to the cancellation of the climbing season on Everest, forcing hundreds of climbers from around the world to turn back. Gupta expressed confusion and frustration at the strike, especially considering that most climbers do not have the wealth to fund such expeditions.
