‘You need more than money to climb Everest’ says Pasang Tendi Sherpa
“No amount of money can guarantee you’ll reach the summit of Mount Everest,” warns Pasang Tendi Sherpa, a seasoned climber who has conquered the world’s tallest peak 17 times. His advice is clear for those aiming to take on the mountain: experience and preparation are paramount.
Tendi, who runs a mountain guiding service, shared stories of the perilous nature of the climb and revealed that his company has turned away 27 clients after determining they lacked sufficient training and experience. For him, the safety of climbers always comes before profit.
“Rejecting 27 clients was a significant financial loss, but safety comes first,” said the 41-year-old climber. “A lot of people think that with enough money, they can plan to climb Everest in just a few months. But that’s far from the truth. Climbing Everest is a huge commitment, a major challenge, and extremely dangerous if you’re not well-prepared.”
Tendi stressed that his company’s mission isn’t only about helping clients reach the summit; it’s about ensuring they return home safely, fully prepared, and aware of the risks.
“Every climber who dreams of reaching Everest’s peak must be mentally and physically prepared, with solid mountaineering knowledge,” he explained. “I’ve seen too many inexperienced climbers run into serious trouble on the mountain because they lacked proper training.”
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia in partnership with Universal Fitness & Leisure Sdn Bhd (UFL), Tendi urged aspiring climbers to focus on thorough preparation. He recommended starting with smaller mountains, such as Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu, and gradually progressing to higher peaks, like the 6,000-meter summits in Nepal, to build altitude experience.
Tendi also advised taking mountaineering courses to learn crucial skills like rescue techniques, mountain navigation, and weather awareness.
“In Malaysia, there are now quite a few indoor climbing walls and gyms. If you’re serious about climbing in the future, start training in those facilities. Learn about your equipment, practice techniques, and stay in shape,” he added.
Born in the village of Saisima, Nepal, Tendi has been climbing since the age of 13 and has successfully summited over 20 peaks higher than 6,000 meters in the Himalayas.