Introduction
The Himalayan Sherpa Club was established as a non-profit, non-political organization in compliance with California state laws in January 2011. Recognized as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the club is dedicated to fostering a united and thriving Sherpa community. Our mission is to provide a common platform for preserving and promoting the unique socio-cultural and linguistic heritage of the Sherpa people.
We actively encourage participation from individuals of all ages and professional backgrounds, with a special focus on engaging younger generations in community activities. By creating opportunities for cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing, we strive to ensure that our rich traditions are passed down to future generations.
We warmly welcome anyone who shares our vision to join us in celebrating and preserving the Sherpa heritage.
From the Peaks to the Vineyards: The Journey of the Himalayan Sherpa Club
The story of the Himalayan Sherpa Club is deeply rooted in the resilience and adaptability of the Sherpa people. For generations, Sherpas lived a humble life in the high Himalayas, farming potatoes, buckwheat, and turnips, and engaging in trade with Tibetan merchants. However, in 1953, the historic ascent of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa changed everything. The world took notice of the Sherpas’ extraordinary mountaineering skills, and soon, the tourism and climbing industry flourished in Nepal.
With this new livelihood, the Sherpas developed strong connections with Western climbers, including Americans. Over time, these relationships opened up opportunities for Sherpas to move abroad. While working as a trekking guide in Nepal, Chhiring Sherpa met some American friends who invited him to Sonoma in the early 1990s. A few years later, Ongda Sherpa won the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery and joined Chhiring. Around the same time, Nima Sherpa, a friend of Chhiring from Nepal who had been living in Colorado, also moved to Sonoma. The three initially settled in Glen Ellen and are considered the first Sherpas to establish roots in Sonoma. Gradually, more Sherpa families joined them, establishing a growing and close-knit community in Sonoma.
At first, the community was small, celebrating their traditions quietly in homes and apartments. But as the years passed and more families arrived, the need for a shared cultural space became clear. In 2011, with a commitment to preserving their rich heritage and fostering unity, the Himalayan Sherpa Club was officially established as a nonprofit organization.
What started as a small gathering of families has now flourished into a vibrant community of over 30 Sherpa families in Sonoma. Through cultural events, celebrations, and educational initiatives, the club continues to honor the traditions of the Himalayas while embracing life in their new home. The spirit of the Sherpa people—resilient, welcoming, and deeply rooted in culture—lives on in Sonoma, keeping the bond between the Himalayas and California as strong as ever.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and promote Sherpa culture while fostering a united and thriving community in the North Bay Area. We are committed to celebrating our unique and rich cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Our Objectives
- Provide a platform to preserve and promote Sherpa cultural and linguistic heritage.
- Educate and engage younger generations in Sherpa traditions through community events.
- Foster collaboration and strengthen relationships with other communities and organizations.
- Support new immigrants by offering resources and networking opportunities for a smooth transition.
- Promote cultural exchange locally and globally to enhance mutual understanding and enrichment.