TRADITIONAL LAND USES
Traditionally, Sherpas have grown
potatoes and raised yak for wool products, dairy products, wool and load
carrying. Working at altitudes, of about 4000m high, has long been part of
their way of life.
When Nepal opened in the 1950’s, the number of Sherpas working in mountaineering increased, and in the 1970s large-scale trekking made climbing and trekking pillars of their economy. In 1921, the first ever Everest expedition by the British was made. The Sherpa made great help on the mountain because of their strength, honesty and dedication. Every climb since then has relied on the support of the Sherpa community. Some Sherpas has made the summit of Mount Everest but some have died on the way.
The first houses of the Sherpas were bamboo huts. They kept changing drastically all the time. First of all, they were half stone, half split wooden logs then they eventually became stone houses and later even with two floors. Sometimes they have found three or four story hotels or houses.
The visitors to the region where the Sherpas live have kept culture and religion within the Sherpas. Sometimes the international visitors bring new Western themed clothing and culture to the Sherpas. This has changed the way Sherpas have lived over the years. But the Sherpas continue their spiritual beliefs to the Tibetan Buddhism.
There transport hasn’t changed much but traditionally they walked or either used a horse, donkey or yak. They prefer this type of transport due to the numerous cliffs and due to small tracks.
When Nepal opened in the 1950’s, the number of Sherpas working in mountaineering increased, and in the 1970s large-scale trekking made climbing and trekking pillars of their economy. In 1921, the first ever Everest expedition by the British was made. The Sherpa made great help on the mountain because of their strength, honesty and dedication. Every climb since then has relied on the support of the Sherpa community. Some Sherpas has made the summit of Mount Everest but some have died on the way.
The first houses of the Sherpas were bamboo huts. They kept changing drastically all the time. First of all, they were half stone, half split wooden logs then they eventually became stone houses and later even with two floors. Sometimes they have found three or four story hotels or houses.
The visitors to the region where the Sherpas live have kept culture and religion within the Sherpas. Sometimes the international visitors bring new Western themed clothing and culture to the Sherpas. This has changed the way Sherpas have lived over the years. But the Sherpas continue their spiritual beliefs to the Tibetan Buddhism.
There transport hasn’t changed much but traditionally they walked or either used a horse, donkey or yak. They prefer this type of transport due to the numerous cliffs and due to small tracks.