STORIES FROM THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

Seventy Years ago, my grandfathers were part of the supporting team of the historic 1953 expedition. While they did not stand on the summit, their role was just as vital -carrying loads, setting up camps and ensuring that Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and the rest of the team had the supplies they needed to make history. Like many Sherpas of their time, they worked tirelessly in the shadows of the great mountain, driven not by fame but by duty, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with the Himalayas.

Growing up with their stories, Everest was never just a peak to me – it was a symbol of perseverance and sacrifice. My father followed a different path, becoming a trekking guide and later opening a small tea house in Namche Bazar. He understood that the mountains provided more than adventure, they were a way of life, a source of livelihood, and a connection to the world beyond our valleys.

Today, I carry this legacy forward, running Panorama Lodge and Restaurant, where trekkers and climbers pause on their way to Everest. The same mountains that my grandfathers once worked beneath now stand as a backdrop to my daily life. But my journey is not just about running a Lodge – It’s about honoring the past while shaping the future. Through hospitality, storytelling, and community initiatives, I strive to keep the spirit of Everest alive not just for climbers but for everyone who calls this region home.

From my grandfathers supporting the first ascent to me welcoming trekkers and climbers on their own journeys, Everest continues to be at the heart of my family’s story. And with each visitor who walks through my doors, that story grows.