In Memory: Lakpa Nuru Sherpa

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of Lakpa Nuru Sherpa’s passing. On the 25th of May, while guiding on Everest, Lakpa reached the South Summit but did not return. 

For over two decades, Lakpa dedicated his life to being a climbing sherpa on countless mountaineering expeditions across Nepal. He played an instrumental role in helping individuals realise their dreams of summiting Himalayan peaks. 

Our mountain guide, Soren Kruse Ledet, fondly recalls meeting Lakpa more than 20 years ago when he was a dzopkio driver on one of our expeditions in the Khumbu. His passion and dedication quickly led him to become a climbing sherpa, going on to achieve the incredible feat of summiting Everest 12 times. 

He was a master of big mountain expeditions and his friends were blessed with his openheartedness - and his homemade apple rakshi. Again Soren regaling the time when on his own Everest attempt, came across Lakpa at around 7300m on the Lhotse Face. While Soren was focused on breathing and making progress, here was Lakpa casually descending after completing a stealthy load carry to Camp 3. Wearing a pair of jeans and enjoying a smoke, it was hard not to marvel at his ease. 

Lakpa was highly respected amongst the Nepali mountaineering community. His strength and competence at high altitude were truly remarkable and the source of enthusiastic praise from our returning mountaineering clients. He would often officiate at the mandatory pre climb Puja. A gentle man and devout Buddhist, he was an inspiration to us all. 

Above all, Lakpa cherished his family. His wife Chyamu and two daughters, Mingma Gelbu and Tshring Chhoti, meant the world to him. We will remember Lakpa always as an excellent climbing sherpa, friend, colleague and mentor. 

Our hearts and thoughts are with all whose lives he touched and our teams in Nepal and all over the world mourn his loss. 

World Expeditions will support the education of his elder daughter, Mingma Gelbu via a fully funded scholarship until her primary and secondary education is complete and the Nepal Mountaineering Association have undertaken the same for his younger daughter Tshring Chhoti. 

In addition, we created a fundraiser through the World Expeditions Foundation with one main purpose, to provide further support for Lakpa Nuru Sherpa’s family whose lives have been irrevocably altered with the loss of their husband and father. Thanks to the generosity of our community we have raised over $10,000 for Lakpa's family.

We will miss you Lakpa. 

Vale The World Expeditions family

Thank you to those who left a beautiful message with your donation. Here is just a few of the many that were left and will be collated and supplied to Lakpa's family.

Lakpa you will always remain in our hearts. We had the privilege of trekking with you, experienced your kind and gentle nature, witnessed your strength and courage in the mountains and admired your leadership and dedication. It was an honour to have stayed at your home with your family. With all our love , Urda and Martin. Urda and Martin Herbst / Watt

I have many fond memories since first meeting Lakpa Nuru sherpa in 2004 and have shared many adventures since. He was, strong, inspirational and also a fun to be around during an expedition. Sincere condolences to his family and friends during these difficult times. Waz Townsden

So many fond memories of a wonderful friend and respected Climbing Sherpa. Since we first met you in 2004 and on all the mountaineering expeditions we've shared with you since, you have been an absolute inspiration with your strength, dedication and kindness. Always happy, always supportive. A truly gentle man with a beautiful soul. Heartfelt sympathy to Chyamu and your beautiful girls. We will miss you and remember you always Lakpa Nuru. Tommo & Neddy

Never met Lakpa or been to Nepal, but would like to donate as a message to those who help those of us to fulfill our dreams. James Allen