Ang Phurba has been working as a guide on Everest for eight years. He tells us about his life on this famous mountain

I have a three day commute…

I am from a remote part in Nepal called the Makalu region. The place is called Yaphu, in Sankhuwa Sabha and it is a three-day walk from Tumlingtar.

The first time I climbed Everest…

It was in 2008 and I was 22 years old.

I have climbed Everest…

Five times.

P1000757

When I reached the summit of Everest for the first time…

I thought I was a super hero.

The most challenging day on the mountain…

Is each and every day. As I work as climbing Sirdar [senior guide], every moment on the mountain is challenging for me.

When I’m having a tough day and I need to keep pushing myself forward…

I just take a long, slow breath.

The first things that I throw in my rucksack for an expedition are…

My helmet, head torch, water bottle and sun cream.

P1000418

Before I became a high-altitude guide…

I would help my parents and work in the field and when I wasn’t helping them I would be busy studying.

If I couldn’t climb Everest…

I would love to climb Mont Blanc in Chamonix.

The strangest thing that I’ve seen someone bring to Base Camp is…

A hockey stick.

My day on the mountain involves…

As a climbing Sirdar, I have many responsibilities. I need to manage staff, pitch camp, check our clients’ climbing gear, check the oxygen system and make sure that everyone is safe.

P1000534

When climbing the mountain I’m usually thinking…

How beautiful the mountain is, but as it’s my job I’m also in work mode and thinking about my responsibilities as well.

If you’re thinking of climbing Everest…

Make sure that you’re as physically fit as you can be and that you boost your climbing skills. Everest will always be there and waiting for you, so it’s important that you spend time preparing yourself first.

Suggested Itineraries

Alaskan Whales & Glaciers Cruise

Alaska United States of America North America

  • Explore Alaska's LeConte, Baird, Sawyer and South Sawyer

  • Go whale watching in Frederick Sound

  • Skiff through iceberg waters of Tracy Arm

  • Boardwalk, bushwhack, and trail hikes in Tongass National Forest

  • Kayak, paddle board and skiff in hidden coves and narrow fjords

ideal length 7 nights

Classic Oman

Muscat & the East Coast Nizwa & the Empty Quarter Musandam & Northern Oman

  • Explore Old Muscat’s old fortresses, palaces and mosques
  • Enjoy a camel ride, desert trekking or quad biking in the Wahiba Sands
  • Shop for Arabic treasures in Nizwa
  • Go hiking in the stunning Al Hajar mountains
  • Relax at the beach at the stylish Six Senses Zighy Bay
ideal length 8 nights

Trekking in Bhutan

Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

  • Hiking Bhutan’s iconic Druk Path, enjoying the magnificent scenery and fresh mountain air
  • Visiting the sub-tropical valley of Punakha and experiencing a totally different climate and landscape
  • Enjoying a mix of both nature and culture with sightseeing after the trek
ideal length 8 nights
Choose Lightfoot Travel
  • Knowledge
  • Expertly Crafted
  • Value
  • Peace of Mind