Colorado, USA: The State of Colorado has officially proclaimed May 29 as Sherpa Appreciation Day, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of the Sherpa community to mountaineering, humanitarian efforts, and cultural enrichment. The recognition is largely attributed to the decade-long efforts of Pemba Tenzing Sherpa, Founder of the Sherpa Foundation and a leading figure in strengthening the Sherpa community’s presence in Colorado.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the proclamation on May 29, 2026 (Everest Day) during a special ceremony at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. The event was attended by Nepal’s Consul General in Dallas, Suresh Adhikari, and Deputy Consul General Dhana Kumari Joshi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pemba Tenzing Sherpa expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“On behalf of all Nepali climbers and Sherpas around the world, I thank the Governor of Colorado for honouring Sherpa climbers and proclaiming May 29 as Sherpa Appreciation Day. Nepal has yet to fully recognize the immense contributions, sacrifices, and unparalleled role of the Sherpa community in world mountaineering. Today, Colorado has provided that recognition. This proclamation is not merely a declaration for one day; it is a tribute to an entire community whose courage, perseverance, and service have left an indelible mark on human history.”
Recognition of Remarkable Mountaineering Achievements
The proclamation highlights the accomplishments of 18 Colorado-based Sherpa climbers who have collectively achieved an extraordinary number of successful ascents of Mount Everest.
Among those recognized is Apa Sherpa, who summited Everest 21 times, holding the world record for many years. Other notable climbers include Tendi Sherpa (18 summits), Lhakpa Rita Sherpa (17), Mingma Chhiring Sherpa (16), Phunuru Sherpa (16), Panuru Sherpa (16), and Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa (15), who also holds the record for the fastest Everest ascent at 10 hours and 56 minutes.
Additional climbers honoured include Tamting Sherpa (11 summits), Pasang Dawa Sherpa and Mingma Tenjing Sherpa (nine each), along with several other accomplished Everest summiteers. The proclamation also recognized prominent female mountaineers, including Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, and Nima Doma Sherpa, for their successful Everest ascents and contributions to the mountaineering community.
Humanitarian Contributions Recognized
Beyond mountaineering achievements, the proclamation acknowledged the humanitarian efforts of the Sherpa Foundation, particularly following the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake. The foundation mobilized support from communities across Colorado and the United States to help rebuild more than 200 homes, restore historic monasteries in the Everest region, support schools, and strengthen local infrastructure throughout Nepal.
In the proclamation, Governor Polis stated that Sherpas are globally respected for their elite mountaineering skills, courage, resilience, honesty, and integrity. He noted that Colorado, home to the Rocky Mountains and a strong culture of adventure, shares a natural connection with the values represented by the Sherpa people.
Everest Day Celebrations in Denver
The proclamation was followed by Everest Day celebrations organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in Dallas in collaboration with the Sherpa Association of Colorado on May 30 at the Nepali Cultural Centre (Nepali Ghar) in Westminster, Denver.
The event attracted approximately 125 participants, including Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, Everest summiteers, representatives of Nepali organizations, and members of the Nepali diaspora. Additional support was provided by Helping Hands Health Education.
The program featured a video message from Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, a documentary on Everest climbing produced by the Sherpa community, traditional Shyabru dance performances, and various Nepali cultural presentations. Several Everest summiteers shared their personal experiences and mountaineering journeys with attendees.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Suresh Adhikari stated that this year’s Everest Day was celebrated under the theme, “Sagarmatha, the Highest Peak of the World: Identity and Pride of Nepal.” He emphasized that the event honoured the spirit of mountaineering, celebrated the Sherpa community’s contributions, and raised awareness about the fragile Himalayan environment.
He also highlighted the Sagarmatha Call for Action, issued in Kathmandu, which urges global cooperation to address climate change and protect mountain ecosystems. Adhikari reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to preserving the Himalayan environment for future generations.
Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett and District Attorney Michael Dougherty congratulated the Sherpa community and praised the positive contributions of the Nepali community to Colorado.
The Sherpa Association of Colorado, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Himalayan culture and traditions while educating the wider public about Sherpa heritage, played a central role in organizing both events and strengthening cultural ties between Nepal and Colorado.
