KATHMANDU, Oct. 17, 2025

Kancha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic 1953 Mount Everest expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, passed away peacefully at his home in Kathmandu at the age of 92. According to his family, Ang Phurba “Kancha” Sherpa breathed his last around 2 a.m. on Thursday in his ancestral home in Namche Bazaar, often called the gateway to Everest.

His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nepal’s mountaineering history. Phur Gyalje Sherpa, President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kancha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the first successful summit of Mount Everest in 1953. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in Nepal’s mountaineering history.”

Born in 1932 in Namche Bazaar, Kancha Sherpa began his journey in mountaineering at the age of 19. Seeking work, he traveled to Darjeeling, where he met Tenzing Norgay, who recognised Kancha as the son of a fellow mountaineer from a previous expedition. With Tenzing’s encouragement, he joined Sir Edmund Hillary’s 1953 Everest team as one of 103 Sherpas, earning five rupees a day.

Though he did not reach the summit himself, Kancha Sherpa played a crucial role in the expedition. He climbed as far as the South Summit, the final camp before the peak, helping ensure the success of the mission. He continued to work on various mountaineering expeditions until 1973, retiring at the request of his wife. Later, he guided trekking groups across the Himalayas, sharing his knowledge and experience with new generations of climbers.

Kancha often spoke fondly of the 1953 climb. In a 2020 interview with Nepal’s state news agency, he recalled the team’s long trek through rough terrain, where there were no roads or hotels, surviving on roasted corn. He remembered how the team cut pine trees in Namche to build a temporary bridge across a massive crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall — a feat that has become legendary in mountaineering history.

He described the historic moment when Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit on May 29, 1953, saying, “We danced, hugged, and kissed. It was a moment of pure joy.” Though the Sherpas supporting the expedition were paid only a modest sum — Kancha earned eight rupees a day for his efforts — their contributions were essential to the success of one of humanity’s most celebrated achievements.

Kancha Sherpa’s life was a testament to courage, perseverance, and dedication. From humble beginnings in the remote villages of the Khumbu region, he rose to become part of a global historic milestone. His stories of the early days of Everest climbing continue to inspire mountaineers and adventurers around the world.

As the mountaineering community mourns his passing, Kancha Sherpa’s legacy endures in the annals of Everest history and in the hearts of those who follow in his footsteps, reminding the world of the critical role Sherpas have played in the exploration and conquest of the world’s highest peaks. His life remains a symbol of Nepal’s rich mountaineering heritage and the spirit of adventure that drives humanity to reach new heights.

 Kancha Sherpa, Last Member of 1953 Everest Expedition, Passes Away at 92

Kancha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic 1953 Everest expedition with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, passed away at his home in Kathmandu at the age of 92. Born in Namche Bazaar in 1932, he joined the expedition as a young Sherpa, playing a key role by climbing to the South Summit and supporting the team’s success. He continued mountaineering until 1973 and later guided trekkers across the Himalayas. Remembered for his courage and dedication, Kancha’s life was a vital part of Everest history, inspiring generations and highlighting the Sherpas’ critical role in mountaineering achievements.