It has become a welcome trend: After sherpas finish guiding commercial expeditions, some ambitiously tackle projects of their own. Recently, brothers Ngima Tashi Sherpa and Fura Tshering Sherpa of Thame did a first ascent of 6,151m Yasa Thak.
Yasa Thak is the southeast shoulder of Tengi Ragi Tau, a peak sandwiched between the Khumbu to the east and Rolwaling to the west. It opened to climbers only recently.
Tengi Ragi Tau, near the Tashi Lapcha Pass, divides the Khumbu and Rolwaling Valleys. Map: Google
The brothers approached from the southeast, likely from their home in Thame. They set up camp at the base of the peak and summited it on November 27 via the east ridge, outfitter Seven Summit Treks reports.
Yasa Thak is a secondary peak of Tengi Ragi Tau. Photo: 14 Peaks Expedition
Family pedigree
The brothers are top Sherpa guides with both Seven Summit Treks and 14 Peaks Expedition. Their impressive family pedigree includes their celebrated uncle, Everest record-setter Kami Rita Sherpa.
Ngima Tashi Sherpa was part of the rope-fixing team on Manaslu this fall. He has summited Everest and Lhotse seven times, among many other climbs.
While further details are to come, the photo suggests that the climbers reached the summit on mainly snowy terrain. Photo: 14 Peaks Expedition
Fura Tshering Sherpa is an eight-time Everest summiter and has also summited K2 twice. Before heading to Yasa Thak, he guided on Manaslu and Ama Dablam. Below is a video of his ascent of Makalu last spring.
