How to Hire a Sherpa

We're not sure why Sherpas don't get more credit than the guys who hire them. After all, they have a legendary ability to scale the Himalaya mountains while hauling all of their boss's gear and blazing the trail. If you have decided to get the glory but don't want to carry your supplies, you'll need a Sherpa.

Things You'll Need

• Physical fitness to climb the Himalayas
• Sherpa association so you can make contacts in the climbing community
• Visa to Nepal
• Transportation to Nepal
• Money
• Your own climbing gear
• Supplies and food for your ascent

Instructions

1. Get yourself in shape to climb the Himalayas. This cannot be accomplished with just a few nature hikes. You need to get yourself into excellent shape prior to your arrival in Nepal, since climbing will test your abilities to their limits.

2. Contact one of the Nepalese mountaineering associations to get in touch with a seasoned Sherpa. Since many Sherpa earn their living by guiding climbers up and down the Himalaya, they are your best source for contacting a potential guide and helper.

3. Travel to Nepal to meet your Sherpa guide in person. This is a crucial step, since your life may literally depend on this individual. See if you can communicate easily and well with this man or woman, find out how many ascents he or she has made and what path they recommend for your climb.

4. Pay the Sherpa at least the going rate, but aim to pay a little more if you possibly can. This rate will seem relatively cheap to a Westerner, and by Western standards, it is. But keep in mind that this person is a professional and a hard worker on your behalf.

5. Listen to what your Sherpa guide tells you about the land and the climb. He or she has climbed these mountains and knows them intimately. Respect this person's knowledge and use it to make your climb memorable and as safe as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, even though the Sherpa is hauling your gear and blazing your trail, he or she is not your lowly servant. Treat him or her with the respect you would want to be shown.

• Once you have hired a Sherpa, make sure you stay involved in all aspects of your climb. Don't just leave all the decisions about equipment, the trail or where to set up camp to him or her. After all, you are still the expedition leader!

• Some guides may try to get hired on close to where the trails start or at the airstrips close to where expeditions start their climbs. These individuals may not have ever climbed the Himalayas before, may not have proper gear or clothing or may not be accustomed to working at altitude.

• It is not unusual for some guides calling themselves Sherpa to work out of Nepalese trekking stores. He or she may never have climbed in the region you wish to climb, but they will be reluctant to tell you that. Your best bet for a Sherpa guide is still a Nepalese mountaineering association.