This photo from the 2019 climbing season on Mount Everest shows a line of people waiting to summit. What you don’t see is the lack of oxygen, the 12 hour wait, and the deaths- soon to occur in the “Death Zone.” Everest has become more and more commercialized, and inexperienced climbers from all around the world are putting themselves and others in danger.People come in hopes of summiting the highest mountain in the world, Everest.What drives them there? It could be the pride, the beauty, or the wonders that push people beyond their mental and physical limits to summit this monster. What people don’t know is that there is a gem, hidden in the valleys of Nepal: The Sherpa people. The Sherpas, native to Nepal, are known for their great strength and ability to thrive in high altitudes. This is why every spring, the Sherpa people are hired by various climbing agencies to guide western climbers to the summit of Everest. This is no easy journey. Before the climbing season begins, Sherpas set out into the mountain and place out ropes, ladders and lay out a yellow brick road for the climbers to follow. They venture out into Everest, and some never return. Each year, around 11 Sherpas die due to avalanches and the ignorance of western climbers who refuse to return back to base camp, even when they’re on the verge of death. Sherpas don’t choose to do this job; they need to because they need to provide for their families. This is the harsh truth.All Sugared Up focuses on raising money and awareness for this harsh reality. With money, the Sherpa people will be able to get and education which will allow them to pursue a different path other than working in the mountains. Having a proper education will give these rockstars a CHOICE. All proceeds generated will go to the ApaSherpaFoundation which focuses on building schools and funding education for the Sherpa people.
@nimsdai/Project Possible, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
The ApaSherpaFoundation was created by Apa Sherpa, the greatest climber in Everest history. The foundation raises money and awareness to help Apa's home village. "With education and experience, individuals go on to lead strong families, communities and ultimately, nations.
*photo from the "apasherpa foundation"