The Everest region is more than just an adventurous journey for trekkers from all around the world. You will fall in love with the many aspects of the Everest region which you wouldn’t otherwise find in many trekking regions not only in Nepal but in the world.
Immersing yourself completely in the many aspects of the Khumbu region’s most popular location will allow you to explore the beauty of the rich Himalayas while cherishing the most unique Buddhist and Sherpa culture, religion, and traditions.
It would be fair to say that the Everest region is rich not only in Nepali but also in Tibetan culture and norms. Trekkers have it easy on their journey since they can find more than just a trail of rocky terrains. There will be a lot to explore during your time in the region.
Participating in local festivals and traditions includes cultural immersion throughout your time in Everest base camp trekking. Make sure to read till the end of this article to learn everything you want to know about the Everest region!
Sherpa culture and customs
The Sherpa culture and customs are the most popular and major aspects of your cultural journey in the Everest region. Sherpa people are extremely respectful of their culture and they have been carrying the traditions that are passed down by their ancestors. Needless to say, the locals are extremely vibrant whether it is their clothes, festivals, or even their traditions.
The following aspects make the Sherpa people and their background extremely special for all the visitors:
Sense of community
People from the Sherpa community always have a sense of healthy collectiveness. One of the main reasons as to why the Everest region is still one of the most culturally significant locations in the world and people have inclined towards a more traditional journey aside from adventure is because of this reason as well. While they are a great community, the locals also feel a sense of close-knit relationship while associating with the visitors. This will make your trek to different parts of the region feel like home.
Religion and spirituality
The Sherpa people are Tibetan Buddhists. They have carried their religious belief from the time they shifted to the Nepali Himalayas from Tibet many years ago. Their religion and spirituality are reflected through the many monasteries, prayer wheels, and flags that you can find in between your trails. Being religious and spiritual is not only a choice but a norm to these people, and must one admit, they are truly keen on what they put their beliefs on.
Festivals
The Sherpa community loves to rejoice through their festivals and different celebrations. Mani Rimdu and Lhosar are two of the most popular festivals that are celebrated in the Everest region.
You wouldn’t otherwise find the Sherpa community in all such numbers as you can in Khumbu, and there is no way there is a better enjoyment of these festivals than in the Everest region itself. Trekkers and travelers will find themselves immersed in the beauty of the dances, songs, and unique instruments, as well as the delicacies that are prepared during the festivals.
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Art and craft
The Everest region is rich in art and craftsmanship. While Khumbu remained undiscovered for a long period, it is quite right to say that the wealth of the people living in the region was also reflected through their creativity. As mentioned before, the people in Khumbu are very much inclined towards their culture, this has, in turn, led to the development of exquisite craftsmanship and the rise of artisans many years ago.
You will find delicate designs in the architectural styles while also some indicative paintings on the walls, and ceilings, and a hint of beautiful and original ideas in every cultural factor of the region.
Marriage and social customs
Different places have different ways of celebrating weddings, and so is the case for the Sherpa people. For a person who is discovering a Sherpa marriage, you are more than likely to be surprised by the uniqueness of the practices.
The marriage and social customs followed by this community will make you fall in love with how it can move you in the best possible ways. There are dances, traditional music, as well as amazing food varieties that have been carried to the newer generations from their ancestors.
Attire
While you may not find as many people wearing their traditional or ethnic attire in the urban areas, you will be impressed by how the Sherpa people living in the Everest region, regardless of their age, have embraced the beauty of their attire. Since the ethnic group has always been habituated to living in extremely cold conditions since the oldest of times, their cultural attire is as per the nature of their surroundings. Both men and women wear thick clothes and boots which may also have traces of animal furs. The belts and the fabric making their attire are made with comfort and convenience in mind. While the Sherpa males were always inclined towards more physical activities for a livelihood, the females have all the more elegant attire given they have been engaging in household chores more. In addition to their male counterparts, the females wear an apron-like clothing piece.
Sherpa guide and mountaineering culture
Mount Everest has always been a home to the Sherpa people. It was the people from this community who made the upper regions of Khumbu a habitat and started engaging in tourism activities as a means of livelihood. Since the expedition to Mount Everest in the 1950s, there has been a never-ending increase in the number of trekkers and mountaineers who are paying visits to the Everest region.
The mountaineering culture of the Sherpa guides and mountaineers has made them famous all around the world. Furthermore, they have been able to make a good name as tourist guides and professional mountaineers all around the world while making an impressive income in the process.
What makes the culture of the Everest region so unique?
Every culture in Nepal seems to have different elements that make them unique. However, Sherpa culture has to be one of the most unique ones in the country due to so many reasons. Despite being isolated for many years before discovery by the outside world, the upper Khumbu region had only been a safe habitat for the people who had long ago come to the Nepali Himalayas as refugees.
As for the present time, this culture has become all the more popular while remaining distinctive. The following reasons make the culture of the Everest region unique:
Teahouses
Teahouses in the Everest region are owned by Sherpa people. These teahouses make for the hotels and guesthouses for the trekkers coming to the region, especially to Everest base camp trekking, which is the most popular trek there.
These teahouses are clean, and tiny, yet consist of almost every other amenities and facilities that a trekker can ask for during a comfortable and convenient journey. You can choose tea houses as per different budgets that best suit your taste. Trekkers also have the choice to add some aspects that they might want in addition to the services they are getting readily.
Local languages
Tibetan is the dominant language in Khumbu that is spoken by every other Sherpa local. You may find it easy to talk to them in either Nepali or English as well since almost every other household in Khumbu has been a part of tourism in the Everest region.
The local language, which is the Tibetan language, whatsoever does not thin down since the Sherpas are extremely respectful and mindful about preserving their oldest yet most prideful aspect. You can learn a word or two during your trek as well.
Modesty
While almost every other part of Nepal has been modernized to a great extent, the Khumbu region or the Everest region remains as modest as ever. The people in this region have been influenced by modernization given people from every part of the world come here for trekking journeys and exploration. Regardless of the extensive modern influence, the locals wear modest clothes and act as traditionally as their older generations have.
Fermented food and drinks
While you can find uniqueness in almost every other aspect of the Sherpa or Tibetan culture during your Everest region trekking, food and drinks are not at all exceptions. Sherpa people have been known to ferment not only their food but also their drinks. And, one who is not from Nepal would be surprised at how good these food and drinks taste. They use traditional bamboo and wooden equipment to store both food and beverages.
Etiquettes
Since the Sherpa people are extremely traditional and polite to people from both in and out of their culture, their etiquette is worth praising. Their mannerisms are something that will impress you greatly.
When you come past one of the Sherpas during your trek, you will realize why exactly the tourists are so satisfied with the hospitality and behaviorism of the local guides and teahouse owners. Also, the locals are just as inviting and hold an endearing aura which makes approaching them for friendly interactions easy.
Conclusion
Sherpa culture and traditions in the Everest region are possibly the richest that it can get. The people from the same background who are widespread in different places in the world may not have as many nuances to their mannerisms and traditional beliefs as do those living in the Everest region. Trekkers will surely enjoy the trek to the fullest when they get the most out of Sherpa festivals and traditions.
