My Journey into the Trekking Industry

At the age of 15, I decided to pursue a career in trekking.Many trekkers passed through Sibuje on routes such as the Arun Valley trek and Mera Peak, and I felt this profession was the right path for me.

I began working in 1996 as a trekking porter, starting from Lukla.At that time, I did not even have proper shoes and walked from Sibuje to Namche Bazaar barefoot.In Namche Bazaar, I bought my first pair of shoes at the Tibetan market for 150 Nepalese rupees.During that period, porters earned 80–120 rupees per day and carried loads of 35–40 kilograms on camping treks.

From 1996 to 2002, I worked as a porter and assistant cook.In September 2003, I received an important opportunity when I applied for basic mountaineering training.Out of 150 applicants, only 35 were selected, and I was proud to be one of them.The training took place in Manang, along the Annapurna Circuit, where I learned ice and rock climbing, basic first aid, and group leadership skills.

I continued with advanced mountaineering and trekking guide training until 2005.In the spring of 2005, I joined a major Cho Oyu expedition.At that time, the daily wage for a climbing Sherpa was 500 Nepalese rupees, and the climbing fee was 95,000 rupees (approximately USD 1,100).

Later, I participated in major expeditions, including:

2007: Manaslu Expedition with a Korean team
2009: Dhaulagiri and Manaslu Expeditions with a Korean team

My Family

On February 18, 2008, I got married.It was both a love and arranged marriage.My wife, Ang Phuti, is very supportive of my work and business.Together, we have two sons.I am committed to providing them with a good education so they can choose their own paths in the future, whether they continue in this field or pursue something different.

How I Reached This Position

A key turning point in my life was meeting Mr.Glen Young from the United States in January 2008 in Kathmandu.He initially completed the Annapurna Circuit trek independently and later returned in 2009 with a friend.Together, we climbed Island Peak (6,189 m).In 2010, we climbed Naya Khangka Peak in Langtang.

In 2011, along with Glen and another friend, we successfully climbed three peaks—Parchamo (6,200 m), Lobuche Peak (6,119 m), and Ama Dablam (6,812 m)—within 25 days, returning to Lukla afterward.Since we still had time, we visited my mother’s village, Sibuje.The local people warmly welcomed us.During this visit, Glen observed the challenges faced by the community and began thinking about how we could help.

Higher Path Treks & Expedition and the Karma Project

In 2013, I founded Higher Path Treks & Expedition.Glen supported me financially in starting the business and introduced many wonderful clients from the United States and other countries.

After returning to the U.S., Glen established the Karma Project to raise funds and support community development in Sibuje.Through the collaboration between Higher Path Treks in Nepal and the Karma Project in the U.S., we have contributed to several initiatives:

· 2014: Provided school uniforms and stationery to local students

· 2015: Supported communities affected by the earthquake

· 2018: Installed electricity in the village in sibuje

· 2018: Organized a free climbing training program for local youth, including equipment, food, and accommodation

· 2019: Distributed blankets and warm jackets to school children

· 2020: Provided food and essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic

· 2027: Organized a free climbing training program for local youth, including full climbing gear, food, and accommodation


Education and Community Support

I studied only up to Grade 2 in Sibuje because the nearest school required a 3–4 hour walk each way, and my parents could not afford further education.Growing up without access to education was a major challenge in my life.This is why I am deeply committed to supporting education for my children and for children in remote villages.

Even today, many families in remote areas cannot afford school uniforms, stationery, and basic supplies.Through our efforts, we aim to support these children and help improve access to education.

Acknowledgment

I would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful people from around the world who have traveled with Higher Path Treks & Expedition and supported the Karma Project.Your support has made a meaningful difference.

You are always welcome to join us—together, we can continue to explore, support communities, and make a positive impact.