Sherpas of Nepal

‘Tourism is an extremely powerful force in the process of globalisation. It can bring improved standards of living with few alternative opportunities; however, it can also damage the environment, disrupt communities and harm individuals’ (Task Sheet, 2013). A clear example of this statement is the Sherpas of Nepal. The Sherpas are an ethnic group of devout Muslims living in the Peaks of the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal. They are of a Tibetan descent, and moved from Tibet 450 years ago. Sherpa translates to ‘easterner’, and references their origins to Kham (Eastern Tibet). Their population is roughly 50000 people who accommodate the solu-khumbu and khumbu regions of the Himalayas, south of Mount Everest (refer to power point). Due to the extreme slopes of the location, mechanical transport is not an option, so Sherpas walk everywhere. It takes some children up to 2 hours of intense walking just to walk to school. (Britannica, 2013) Sherpas practise Buddhism and belong to the oldest sect of the religion: nyingmapa. Their religion teaches mysticism (believing in many Gods; similar to mythology) and practise shamanistic rituals. They believe that their many Gods live within the mountains surrounding, and thus postulate the mountains sacred. (everyculture, 2007)
International tourists have brought in lasting effects on the Sherpas’ culture. The Sherpas living in the Himalayas have been a large tourist attraction ever since Edmund Hillary accompanied by a Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, first climbed Mount Everest. Subsequently after this, many extreme mountaineers have paid Sherpas to help carry their packs and navigate the mountains, due to their extensive understanding of the terrain. Sherpas are used to the weather conditions of the mountains, and have adapted to the harsh environment. Trekking tours are now a predominant source of income for Sherpas, and many Sherpas have learnt new languages to communicate with the tourists. (Rosenberg, 2013)
Tourism has played a