While fun may not be the first word that comes to mind when considering Pasang’s profession, it’s undeniable that what he does for a living in the mountains is both risky and extremely challenging. Nevertheless, conversing with him reveals genuine contentment in his chosen path, and he finds joy in multi-day arduous mountaineering expeditions, as well as taking mountain photos and videos.
“There are numerous challenges when it comes to photographing a high-altitude mountain while also guiding climbers: rugged terrain, inhospitable climates, altitude sickness, logistical complexities, avalanches, limited access, to name a few. However, despite working under demanding and extreme conditions, helping the mountaineers summit the peak, and capturing the moments in their element always makes the effort worthwhile”, says Pasang.
Pasang Rinzee Sherpa is an accomplished mountaineer from Dolakha, Nepal, who has a passion for adventure and photography.
He started as an assistant trekking guide and got into mountaineering in 2015 when he achieved his first ascent of the Mera peak (6,476 m). After that climb, Pasang continued to guide his clients on various demanding expeditions: Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, Himlung Himal, Muztagh Ata, and many more.
His mountaineering journey wasn’t linear, as he had to face life-threatening incidents along the way. His first expedition to Mt. Everest was in jeopardy when the 2015 Nepal earthquake set off avalanches that destroyed Base Camp. Pasang recalls, “I witnessed the death of five friends from my team, and eighteen climbers lost their lives while many were injured. I didn’t know how I survived, it was the hardest time of my life.”
Pasang’s photos portray the beauty of mountains and the mountaineering lifestyle in a timeless manner. He is highly sought after as a mountain photographer, videographer, drone pilot, and mountain guide. Currently, he is part of a team led by renowned mountaineer Kristin Harila, filming her ambitious project of climbing all of the world’s highest 8000+ metre peaks.
