Babu Chiri SherpaNepalese climber, mountain guide, holder of two records on Everest
Date of Birth: 22.06.1965
Country: Nepal |
Content:
- Babu Chiri Sherpa - Legendary Mountain Guide
- Early Life and Career
- Record-Breaking Ascents
- Tragic Death and Legacy
Babu Chiri Sherpa - Legendary Mountain Guide
Babu Chiri Sherpa was a legendary Nepalese mountain guide from the Sherpa community, who reached the summit of Mount Everest 10 times. Among his achievements, Babu Chiri spent 21 hours on the Everest summit without supplemental oxygen, and he holds the record for the fastest ascent, completing it in 16 hours and 56 minutes. While famous mountaineers are well known, few people realize that all great expeditions would be impossible without the Sherpa guides. They carry the entire load on their backs during expeditions, blaze the mountain trails, and remain behind the scenes. However, the Sherpas do not complain - they are content with providing for their families and exploring their beloved mountains. They are unpretentious, kind, and possess Eastern wisdom. One of these great yet lesser-known mountaineers is Babu Chiri Sherpa, who was born and died in his beloved mountains.
Early Life and Career
Babu Chiri Sherpa was born in 1965 in the village of Taksindu in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal. He spent his childhood helping his parents on their family farm. There were no schools in his village or the surrounding areas, so he did not receive a formal education. His love for the mountains started from a very young age. At the age of 16, he was hired as a porter for expeditions, and later he worked as a kitchen staff member. However, it turned out that Babu excelled at high altitudes, and that's when he began training as a mountaineer. Soon, the young and resilient climber caught the attention of others, and he started to be hired more frequently for climbs. In the end, he reached the summit of Everest 10 times.
Record-Breaking Ascents
In 1995, Babu Chiri Sherpa climbed Everest twice in a record-breaking short time span of two weeks. In 1999, he set another record by spending 21 hours on the summit without supplemental oxygen. He also holds the record for the fastest ascent, completing the climb in 16 hours and 56 minutes.
Tragic Death and Legacy
Babu Chiri Sherpa tragically passed away on April 29, 2001. He was only 35 years old, and it seemed like his life was just beginning to flourish. He had become one of the most influential mountain guides among the Sherpa people. Babu was involved in politics and charity work, striving to improve the lives of his people. He spoke four languages and traveled to Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, and the United States. He had six daughters, and his untimely death occurred during his 11th ascent of Everest. He had strayed slightly off the trail to capture some photographs when he accidentally fell into a crevasse. Thus ended the life of a young man full of strength and hope, who never complained about his challenging life.
Babu Chiri is still remembered by many mountaineers, and his records on Everest remain unmatched - 21 hours on the summit without supplemental oxygen and an ascent completed in 16 hours and 56 minutes. His legacy includes a school that he built in his hometown. In 2005, a museum was opened in Kathmandu, Til Ganga, and a monument was erected to honor the great Sherpa mountain guide, Babu Chiri Sherpa.