Answer/ Questions
1. Why do you think distance is measured in terms of the time taken to travel in Khumbur
2. How does Nima Sherpa's life illustrate one of the Sherpa success stories?
3. According to Ang Rita, which three innovations transformed the Sherpas' lives
4. Discuss the significance of the term 'Sherpa.
5. Do you think the Sherpas prefer to be roadless? Give reasons in support of your answer?
6. Extended writing: Despite the wealth brought into the lives of Sherpas, they remain a
simple people. Discuss with examples from the text.
Answers
Explanation:
Most Sherpa people live in the eastern regions of Nepal; however, some live farther west in the Rolwaling Valley and in the Helambu region north of Kathmandu. Sherpas establish gompas (temples) where they practice their religious traditions. Tengboche was the first celibate monastery in Solu-Khumbu. Sherpa people also live in China, Bhutan, and the Indian states of Sikkim and the northern portion of West Bengal, specifically the district of Darjeeling. The Sherpa language belongs to the south branch of the Tibeto-Burman languages, mixed with Eastern Tibet (Khamba) and central Tibetan dialects. However, this language is separate from Lhasa Tibetan and unintelligible to Lhasa speakers.[2]
The number of Sherpas migrating to Western countries has significantly increased in recent years, especially to the United States. New York City has the largest Sherpa community in the United States, with a population of approximately 16,000. The 2011 Nepal census recorded 495,846 Sherpas within its borders. Some members of the Sherpa population are known for their skills in mountaineering as a livelihood.