Overview
- The Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed he died early Thursday at his home in Kapan, Kathmandu, with no immediate cause specified beyond recent illness, and last rites scheduled for Monday.
- At 19, he joined the 35-member British expedition that put Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on the summit and was one of three Sherpas to reach the final high camp below the peak.
- He worked in high-altitude roles for roughly two decades, later running a lodge in Namche Bazaar and leading a foundation supporting schooling for local children.
- In a 2024 interview, he warned about overcrowding and pollution on Everest and urged fewer climbers out of respect for Qomolangma.
- He never summited Everest, citing family concerns over risk, and is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters and grandchildren.