Lakpa Rita Sherpa
Lakpa’s climbing and guiding achievements are significant, with 15 summits of Mt. Everest on over 23 expeditions (a record 253 climbers on the summit under his leadership) seven guided summits of Cho-Oyu and numerous other peaks in Nepal. He also been our high camp manager and guide on Aconcagua and Denali and has guided numerous peaks in the Cascades including Mount Baker and Rainier. Currently, Lakpa and his family reside in Seattle. He is a guide, leader and friend of the highest quality. Lakpa summited Mount Vinson 13 times. He also is known as “The Best Sirdar in the Khumbu”, and has been working with us for the past twenty years. His legendary strength is veiled by his charm and humility. As Sirdar (Sherpa captain) he directs and organizes our team of Sherpa for every Himalayan expedition. Possessing unparalleled expertise in the mountains, Lakpa is one of the only Sherpa working as a full-time Mountain Guide around the world. In February 2009, Lakpa became the first Sherpa, and first Nepali to climb the Seven Summits. Here he is on the summit of Kilimanjaro. Recently Lakpa guided our successful 2011 & 2014 Cho-Oyu Team and 2013 Everest Teams. Lakpa was named one of Outside Magazine’s “Adventurers of The Year” for 2013.
[Article about Lakpa]
Significant Ascents
- Everest 15 summits over 23 expeditions
- Cho-Oyu 12 summits
- Shishapangma 1 summit
- Pumori 1 summit
- Elbrus 1 summit
- Baruntse 2 summit
- Aconcagua 26 summits
- Vinson 13 summits
- Kilimanjaro 1 summit
- Denali 2 summits
- Guide on K2 and Broad Peak, Annapurna South Face, Manaslu, Dhaulagri and Maklu.
- Rainier 93+ summits.
- First Sherpa to climb the seven summits.
Certifications
- Wilderness First Responder/CPR
- Avalanche Level II
- Leave No Trace Trainer
Certainly an epic journey that I (and I imagine nearly every other climber) will remember the rest of their life. There is no doubt that AAI ran a well organized, ‘user friendly’ program and has established a great reputation in Antarctica as well as among climbers in general. They seem to own this trip.
