Family and friends pay tribute to Tenjen Lama

Family and friends came together today to honor the memory of the legendary climber Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa, who tragically lost his life in an avalanche on Mt. Shishapangma on October 7.

On the tenth day since his disappearance, a solemn pooja ceremony was conducted in Lama’s honor at the Sherpa Sewa Kendra in Bouddha. Esteemed climbers, including Kristin Harila, Mingma Sherpa, Simone Moro, Ming Temba Sherpa, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, Adriana Brownlee, Gelje Sherpa, Mario Velmo, Sebastian Valentini, and others, joined in paying their respects and offering heartfelt prayers. During the ceremony, participants appealed to the government to acknowledge Tenjen’s significant contributions to the world of climbing.

“Lama’s unwavering spirit, dedication, and kindness have always been a source of inspiration for all of us. His legacy in mountaineering will continue to shine brightly, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts,” stated Mingma Sherpa, Chairman of Seven Summit Treks. He added, “This is a profound loss for the mountaineering community.”

Tenjen’s sons, Lakpa Sange and Lakpa Nurbu, expressed their wish for their father’s remains to be located. Kristin, who had achieved a world record with Tenjen by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in just 92 days, pledged her support to help fulfill their wish. She reminisced, “For 92 days, we shared everything – from noodle soup, dry fish, cola, warmth, and laughter to dreams. I trusted my life to you, and you trusted yours to me. Now, it feels like a part of me is gone.”

Following Buddhist tradition, Lamas offered prayers while family and friends remembered Tenjen as an inspiration not only to Nepalis but to mountaineering enthusiasts worldwide.