KUALA LUMPUR: No amount of money can help you summit Mount Everest, says the renowned Pasang Tendi Sherpa, who has conquered the world’s highest peak 17 times.
Reflecting on the challenging climbs, Tendi, who runs a mountain guide service, stated that his company has rejected 27 clients due to their lack of training and experience. He emphasised that climbers’ safety is always a priority over financial gains.
At 41, Tendi explained that the mission is not merely to reach Everest’s summit but to ensure climbers return safely, well-prepared, and aware of the challenges they face.
“The rejection of 27 clients was a significant loss for our company, but safety comes first. Many people believe their wealth can expedite an Everest climb, but this is untrue.
“Climbing Everest requires a big commitment, it is a formidable challenge with high risks if not well-prepared,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia in collaboration with Universal Fitness & Leisure Sdn Bhd (UFL) at Wisma UFL on Tuesday (Oct 15), Tendi advised aspiring climbers to engage in rigorous physical training and start with smaller mountains, such as Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu.
He recommended training at higher altitudes, like 6,000m peaks in Nepal.
He also encouraged climbers to enrol in mountaineering courses to learn essential skills such as rescue techniques, mountain navigation, and weather awareness.
“Malaysia now has numerous indoor climbing facilities. Future mountaineers should begin in climbing gyms to familiarise themselves with equipment, techniques, and maintain good physical shape,” he added.
Born in Saisima, Nepal, Tendi began climbing at 13 and has since conquered over 20 Himalayan peaks exceeding 6,000m.
Meanwhile, the Peninsula Malaysia Forestry Department’s Forest Eco-Park & State Park Forest Division director, Mohd Yussainy Md Yusop, said that the department aims to certify 2,000 trained sherpas by 2025.
“We recognise a strong demand for skilled sherpas to improve their abilities, adhering to both domestic qualifications and international standards.
“We appreciate Tendi’s involvement as part of the Nepal Mountain Guide Association and International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations,” he said.
The department has also initiated a Forest Trail Conservation programme to clean climbing routes across Malaysia.
“We want the public to help preserve these routes in forest reserves. To date, 18,000 participants have been involved, fixing ropes, setting up steps, and placing markers to facilitate mountain climbing. UFL will host the restoration of the climbing trail in Kota Damansara,” he concluded. – Bernama
