If you want to learn more about the famous Sherpa and their incredible mountaineering feats, then these ten documentaries are the perfect place to start. From tales of courage and adventure to heart-wrenching stories of personal tragedy, these films offer a glimpse into the lives of some of the hardest working people in the world. These films aren’t just inspiring, they’re also deeply moving and thought-provoking. So if you’re looking to learn more about the amazing Sherpa people and their culture, these documentaries should be at the top of your list. Get ready for a powerful journey!
1. SHERPAS · True Heroes of Mount Everest · Documentary
Meet Dawa, the renowned Sherpa who has climbed Mount Everest an astounding thirteen times. In this riveting documentary, follow the journey of Swiss mountain guide Kari Kobler and his European climbers as they attempt to reach the peak of the world’s highest mountain. With a team comprised of only Nepali Sherpas, their quest to summit requires strength, courage and spirit.
2. The Sherpas (The Himalaya’s Natives – Full Documentary) | TRACKS
Travelers from all around the world flock to the Himalayas to experience the majestic beauty of these highest mountains in the world. This awe-inspiring and breathtaking landscape is also home to a people with an impressive history; the Sherpas. This documentary follows three brothers, each living lives drastically different than their peers, yet still connected by their native roots. DNBD brings the audience into an intimate exploration of their lives and how they manage to stay connected despite the distance. It offers a closer look at the culture, traditions and way of life of this resilient community.
3. Unsung Heroes of Everest | Nat Geo Live
Climbing Mount Everest is certainly a feat that has countless risks associated with it. But who are the unsung heroes of mountaineering? Aaron Huey’s photography captures their courage and strength as they take on treacherous altitudes, extreme weather conditions, and death-defying odds. The death rate for mountaineers is higher than that of soldier fatalities in the Iraq war; however, Sherpas continue pushing forward despite all the dangers they face. This fantastic documentary offers an intimate look into their lives and why they are so dedicated to climbing the world’s highest peak.
4. Sherpa: People Of The Mountain | Disappearing World
Climbing Mount Everest is certainly a feat that has countless risks associated with it. But who are the unsung heroes of mountaineering? Aaron Huey’s photography captures their courage and strength as they take on treacherous altitudes, extreme weather conditions, and death-defying odds. The death rate for mountaineers is higher than that of soldier fatalities in the Iraq war; however, Sherpas continue pushing forward despite all the dangers they face. This fantastic documentary offers an intimate look into their lives and why they are so dedicated to climbing the world’s highest peak.
5. Sherpa: The people who first climbed Mt. Everest | SLICE
Nestled in the northeast region of Nepal lies Khumbu, a Himalayan area where the Sherpa people live. It is here Tenzing Norgay, one of the greatest mountaineers of all time, achieved his legacy after conquering Mount Everest. The locals make their living by carrying the bags of foreign climbers who visit to climb this majestic mountain. Passang Nima, a 25-year-old Sherpa is just one of many whos
6. Sherpas | Documentary on The True Heroes of Mount Everest
Sherpas – True Heroes of the Everest are celebrated in this one-of-a-kind film. Kari Kobler, a Swiss mountain guide, and his party of European climbers embark on an expedition up Mount Everest. The climb is only possible with the help of Nepali Sherpas they have hired, most notably Dawa who has reached the summit thirteen times. Viewers are taken into the lives, hardships and stories of these brave men. The Sherpas open up about their experiences working with Western climbers and what it’s like to be a leader at the peak of the world. They discuss their emotions and fears, often risking their own safety to save clients. This documentary is an eye-opening insight into the bravery of these heroes who will forever remain at the top of Mount Everest.
7. The Horseman of Mount Everest: Life of A Special Sherpa
Gurmen, a Sherpa with an impressive skill set for navigating the Himalayan mountains of Nepal, lives in an environment rife with danger. He dreams of a better future and decides to take on the challenge of acquiring a horse named Karma to help him earn money from tourists. With this mission, he commences his journey across the country and back to his mountain home. Along the way, Gurmen and Karma meet a variety of people who embrace life at high altitudes, where even small missteps can have dire consequences. Through these encounters, we gain insight into the remarkable success story of a man who has taken advantage of the hiking and tourism industry in Nepal.
8. Exploring the Land of Sherpas – Discovering Life Under Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Nepal
Explore the world of legendary Sherpas and the land beneath Mount Everest. Take a tour of Nepal’s Solukhumbu district, from its lower hills and Cho La pass to its breathtaking freshwater lakes system in Gokyo. Discover their customs, culture and unique way of life that allows them to thrive at such high altitudes. Investigate how this ancient population has managed to survive in such a harsh and unforgiving environment, as well as what dangers climate change poses to their way of life. Join us on an adventure that will take you straight to the heart of Sherpa country and provide a glimpse into one of the world’s most ancient cultures. Come along and witness the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, from lush forest valleys, riverside villages and mighty snow-capped peaks. Learn about the unique challenges that come with mountain living, from finding food to managing resources, and how Sherpas have adapted to their environment over time. With interviews of locals, ancient legends shared by elders and stunning visuals of the landscape, this documentary will give you an insight into a world few outsiders get to experience.
9. Climbing MT Everest with a Mountain on My Back The Sherpa’s Story
When it comes to mountaineering, no one knows Everest like the Sherpas. For generations they’ve been trusted guides and sherpas for climbers from all over the world. Yet despite their hard work and dedication, they are rarely given enough credit or respect for what they do. Through this documentary, we will discover the untold story of the Sherpas and how they have managed to stay resilient in the face of extreme adversity. We will delve into their history and culture, gaining an understanding of what it takes for a Sherpa to be successful. From mountaineering techniques to spiritual practices, this documentary provides insight into each aspect of their lives
10. Sherpas of Nepal: The First People to Climb The Everest
Sherpas are renowned for their formidable mountaineering skills and relentless determination, yet there is much more to the Sherpa people than meets the eye. The small village of Thami in Nepal has given rise to a unique breed of individuals who possess a unique form of individualism that sets them apart from the rest. Their unyielding spirit and resourcefulness have made them the go-to choice for many a daring mountaineering expedition, most notably the historic 1953 summit of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. The Sherpa culture is steeped in tradition and deeply rooted in the mountains that they call home. Their everyday lives are often characterized by hard work and dedication to their families, as well as a fiercely independent spirit that is only strengthened by the mountainous terrain they inhabit.
