Darjeeling, Dec 8 (UNI) Kushang Dorjee Sherpa, a five-time Evererster and among the few adventurers in the globe to have scaled the world's tallest peak from its three sides, has died at his home here, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (East Zone), announced on Sunday.
Sherpa, 59, breathed his last on Saturday and is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.
"Kushang Dorjee Sherpa: a legendary Sherpa mountaineer died on 7th December 2024 at Darjeeling, West Bengal, " chairman of Indian Mountaineering Foundation (East Zone) Debraj Dutta said in a statement.
"His demise is a loss to his family and the mountaineering community, which he served with distinction and passion," said Dutta.
A former chief instructor of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Darjeeling), Kushang Sherpa in 2003 said "Given the opportunity I would like to climb Everest quite a few times more."
Born on February 15, 1965, in the Makalu area of Nepal, Kushang's fascination with the Himalayas began at a young age. His remarkable journey, which took him to the pinnacle of mountaineering success, is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion.
His introduction to the world of mountaineering was unconventional. At 14, he ran away from home to work as a porter on an expedition passing through his village. This early exposure sparked a fire within him, driving him to pursue a career in mountaineering.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kushang achieved numerous milestones, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished mountaineers of his time. He first summited Mount Everest on May 10, 1993, via the standard south-east ridge route. Notably, he summited the most difficult east face (Khangsung face) of Everest on May 28, 1999, a feat achieved by only a few individuals worldwide.
Kushang's most notable achievement was becoming the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest from three sides. This remarkable feat earned him widespread recognition and accolades. In 2003, the Government of India honoured him with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award. UNI PC SSP