In the north east corner of Nepal, bordering Tibet, lie four of the five highest mountains in the world – Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kangchendzonga. In the high valleys, below these mountains, lie the two districts of Solu and Khumbu, the home of the sherpas. Ever since Nepal opened it doors to climbers in 1949, the sherpas have been the back bone of any climbing expedition. Many of the expedition sherpas who are now Everest summiteers started their lives as porters ferrying loads for the expeditions. Even today, most of these porters hail from the two districts of Solu and Khumbu. Since 1949, the immense popularity of the Khumbu region with its star studded galaxy of high peaks, emerald lakes, icy glaciers and fast flowing rivers drew tourists to the region in droves. This influx also provided a means of employment for the villagers.

Every year during spring and autumn more than fifty thousand trekkers and climbers descend on the Khumbu region. The majority of them come to trek to the Base Camp of Everest and to climb Kala Pattar, the black rock above the Base Camp with its splendid 360 degree view of the Khumbu Himal. Others attempt “trekking peaks” like Island Peak, Lobuche East and the most intrepid and determined attempt Everest itself. There are guided climbs to Everest where a client can pay $50,000 for a place on the summit! To keep the lodges running en route and to provide food and shelter to this enormous influx of visitors, porters and yaks are used right throughout the season to ferry loads from the airstrip of Lukla to the base camp. Without this back up team no trek or expedition can be successful. This is a photo essay on the load bearers of the Khumbu who I admire enormously for carrying huge loads sometimes upto 50 kg, day in and day out for a wage of not more than US 15$ per day.