पेम्बा शेर्पा
Pemba Sherpa
Pronounced: PEM-bah SHEHR-pah
A Nepali high-altitude mountaineer and inspirational figure known for becoming the first kidney transplant survivor to successfully summit Mount Everest.
See the 7-Summit mission →
Origin story
Born March 19, 1989, in Solukhumbu, Nepal, Pemba grew up in a financially disadvantaged family as the eldest of nine siblings (four brothers and four sisters). Due to severe financial constraints, he could study only up to Grade 5, then joined a Buddhist Lama course (Gumba) for nearly four years before leaving at age 13 to support his family.
He worked as a porter in Solukhumbu for five years before seeking better opportunities in Malaysia as a security guard. Tragedy struck when he was hit by a truck while crossing the road. Doctors said his survival chances were extremely low, but he survived. Two years later, another accident with a smaller vehicle seriously injured his right leg, requiring 20 months of hospital follow-up. Despite ongoing pain and needing a walking stick, he continued working to save money to return home.
Returning to Nepal in 2014, he migrated to Japan, working 8-10 hours daily for nearly six years. In late 2019, his health deteriorated rapidly. He returned to Nepal feeling extremely unwell during the flight. Immediately taken to the hospital from Tribhuvan International Airport, tests revealed both kidneys had failed by 70-80%.
After nearly three years of dialysis, including contracting COVID-19 and facing severe depression, he received a life-saving kidney transplant from his father, Ang Gelgen Sherpa, on October 19, 2022 (Kartik 2, 2079 BS) at Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center. His father was 54 at the time and remains healthy at 57 today.
Milestones
2019-2022: The Three-Year Journey
Nearly three years of dialysis, diagnosis, and treatment. Contracted COVID-19 during this period, a life-threatening complication for kidney patients. Faced severe pain, financial exhaustion, and deep emotional stress.
October 19, 2022: New Life
Successful kidney transplant from his father at Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center, under Dr. Pukar Shrestha and Dr. Kalpana Shrestha's leadership. His father's words: "Use my kidney fully and live your life to the fullest."
Family Miracle
Despite doctors saying kidney transplant patients have less than 1% chance of becoming a father, welcomed two daughters: Mingmu Sherpa (born during dialysis) and Kalsang Lhamo Sherpa (born after transplant), 18 months apart.
May 14, 2024: Summit Achievement
Sixteen months after transplant, stood atop Mount Everest (8,848.86m), the verified global first for a kidney transplant recipient. Pre-summit creatinine: 0.9; post-summit: improved to 0.7 (normal is 0.6).
The Spiritual Journey
One night during his recovery, Pemba dreamed of Lord Gautam Buddha appearing atop Mount Everest. When he shared this dream with senior Lamas, they were deeply moved. This spiritual experience revived his childhood dream of climbing Everest—a dream once buried under accidents, illness, and hardship.
Despite doctors warning that kidney patients should avoid cold environments, and despite financial limitations, he committed himself to disciplined research, training, and preparation. With full support from his wife, Nima Yanjan Sherpa, whose encouragement became his greatest strength throughout the difficult transplant years.
"Life becomes easy when your mindset is easy. Control your mind and food - control is everything. If you lose control, life collapses."
He believes nature heals and encourages people facing depression, illness, or pain to reconnect with the natural environment.
The Path to Everest: Community Support & Fundraising
The cost of climbing Mount Everest was a major challenge. Despite repeated requests to government offices, municipalities, and ministries, no financial support or discounts were provided. Disappointed but determined, Pemba turned to social media, sharing his story and dream openly.
Over 8 months, support poured in—from small donations of NPR 500-1,000 to larger contributions of NPR 1-2 lakhs. He successfully raised 60-70% of the required funds through Facebook donations. While some questioned his physical ability or intentions, many others stood by him with encouragement.
He received professional guidance and training support from Ming Tshring Sherpa and Pemba Ongchhu Sherpa, who played key roles as trainers and guides. The expedition began on May 9, 2024, with a team of 10 members including 6 Sherpas, 2 Nepalis, 1 American, and 1 Indian climber, through Expeditions High Mountain Pvt. Ltd.
Signature climbs
- Lobuche Peak (6,119m) Preparation climb
- Mount Everest (8,848.86m) 14 May 2024
- Solukhumbu training peaks Recovery era
Inspiration: Lionel Messi
Pemba is a devoted admirer of world-renowned footballer Lionel Messi. Deeply inspired by Messi's humble childhood and journey through struggle, Pemba carried a photograph of Lionel Messi to the summit of Mount Everest as a powerful symbol of perseverance, resilience, and belief.
He holds a heartfelt dream that, if he ever meets Messi in person, he will present him with a framed photograph captured at the Everest summit, featuring Messi as a tribute to inspiration, determination, and the shared spirit of overcoming adversity.
Future Goals: Seven Summits & Beyond
Having completed his Everest dream, Pemba is now preparing to summit six major international peaks and aims to set a Guinness World Record, proving that kidney transplant survivors can achieve extreme mountaineering goals.
He is currently seeking sponsorship and global support to continue this mission. His goal is not just personal achievement, but to inspire transplant recipients worldwide that recovery can lead to extraordinary possibilities.
Vision: Giving Back to Society
Shaped by his own childhood experiences of poverty and hardship, Pemba carries a strong sense of social responsibility. If circumstances continue positively, he plans to establish a charitable foundation dedicated to supporting poor and underprivileged communities.
The proposed foundation will focus on basic health awareness, support for critical medical treatment, education for disadvantaged children, and motivation programs for individuals facing physical or mental challenges—particularly from remote regions like his hometown in Solukhumbu. His vision is to transform his personal journey of suffering into a lasting source of hope for others.
Journey in Motion
Watch the Everest highlights, training climbs, and camp life in the full video gallery.
Stay Inspired
Subscribe to receive updates about Pemba's journey and inspiring stories from the mountains.
Book a trek with Pemba — start your adventure today!
Share your preferred season, route, and group size, and the team will help plan the next steps.