KATHMANDU: The “US-Nepal Friendship Team II’ has left for Alaska, to scale the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali (6,190 meters).
The expedition is led by the experienced Pasang Phurba Sherpa from Nepal and Mark Parella from the United States of America, with coordination by Public Affairs Chief Garrett E. Wilkerson from the US Embassy in Nepal and Karma Tenzing, the leader of the USA-Nepal Friendship Team I.
The objective of this expedition is to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Jim Whittaker’s climbing Mount Everest Expedition, to promote sustainable mountaineering practices, acquire invaluable eco-expedition techniques, and forge stronger bonds between our two nations through the shared passion for mountaineering.
James W. Whittaker had climbed the Mt Everest on 1 May 1963, becoming the first Americans to reach the world’s highest peak.
Denali, which is the highest mountain in North America, is considered one of the most extreme and challenging mountains to climb due to its terrain and proximity to the Arctic Circle.
Meanwhile, Expedition leaders Parella and Pasang are both Everest summiteers. Parella is a US Navy veteran and climber of numerous mountains in the US and around the world. Others in the team are Lakpa Dendi Sherpa, Thaneswar Guragain, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Tsering Pemba Sherpa, Pemba Nuru Sherpa, Pasang Gelu Sherpa and Gelje Sherpa.
The United States recognized Nepal as a sovereign country in 1947 and established diplomatic relations in 1948. Since then till now, both countries endure and honor the relationship at various levels.
Know more about expedition teams
Pasang Phurba Sherpa (Expedition Leader)
Pasang Phurba Sherpa is a member of the Board of Directors at Seven Summit Treks and a dedicated climber who has already accomplished the feat of climbing Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Elbrus, and Kilimanjaro. He is currently on his way to completing the “Seven Summits,” which involves climbing the highest peak on each of the seven different continents. He has been leading the Base camp as an expedition Manager in different Expeditions organized by seven summit treks since its establishment.
Lakpa Dendi Sherpa
Lakpa Dendi Sherpa is a renowned mountaineer and a Guinness World Record holder. He has achieved several remarkable feats in the field of mountaineering, including being the fastest person to climb Mount Everest three times in 10 days 18 hours 30 minutes and the fastest to climb both Everest and K2 in 59 days. Lakpa Dendi Sherpa is now on a mission to complete all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters, a feat that only a handful of people have accomplished. His incredible achievements and dedication to his craft have made him an inspiration to many in the mountaineering community.
Thaneswar Guragai (Expedition Manager)
Thaneswar Guragai is a multiple Guinness World Record holder in different categories. He is an official consultant at Guinness World Records. Since 2015, He has maintained a record of mountaineers that have successfully reached the summit of Everest, as well as other peaks above 8000m (26,246 Ft)2022, Thaneswar successfully climbed Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, further solidifying his reputation as an enthusiast in the field of mountaineering. He was also the expedition manager of the team “US-Nepal Friendship Team” in 2022.
Mingma Tenzi Sherpa
Mingma Tenzi Sherpa is a veteran climber and is on verge of 14 peaks. Mingma Tenzi’s wealth of practical experience is backed up by paperwork, with advanced mountaineering and rescue qualifications from the internationally recognized Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association. Mingma Tenzi has an impeccable safety record when operating in the world’s highest mountains, and has a wealth of experience in both the Nepalese Himalayas and the Pakistani Karakorum. He is one of the Sherpa who climbed Mt. K2 in Winter.
Tsering Pemba Sherpa
Tsering Pemba Sherpa is a renowned mountain guide who has scaled numerous towering peaks, including multiple 8000m peaks, several 7000m peaks, and numerous 6000m peaks. With over 15 years of experience in the mountaineering industry, Tsering Pemba Sherpa is a certified International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) guide. He is known for his exceptional mountaineering skills, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring his clients’ safety while on expeditions. His expertise and experience have made him one of the most sought-after guides for mountaineering expeditions in Nepal and around the world.
Pemba Nuru Sherpa
Pemba Nuru Sherpa is an accomplished climbing guide with extensive experience in mountaineering. He has successfully climbed Mount Everest multiple times, in addition to numerous other peaks in the Himalayas, including Lhotse, Manaslu, and Cho Oyu. With over 20 years of experience in the mountaineering industry, Pemba Nuru Sherpa is recognized as one of the most skilled and reliable guides in the field. He is known for his expertise in high-altitude mountaineering, as well as his commitment to ensuring his clients’ safety and success on expeditions.
Pasang Gelu Sherpa
Pasang Gelu Sherpa is a highly experienced climbing guide and mountaineer who has achieved multiple summits of Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world. He hails from the Solukhumbu district of Nepal and began his mountaineering career as a support climber, gradually working his way up to become a climbing guide. With his expertise and knowledge of the mountains, Pasang Gelu has guided numerous clients to the summits of various peaks in the Himalayas, including Mt Everest.
Gelje Sherpa
Gelje Sherpa is a highly skilled climbing guide and mountaineer from the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. Gelje Sherpa is a highly skilled climbing guide and mountaineer who is currently on a mission to climb all 14 peaks above 8000 meters. Gelje Sherpa began his career as a porter and worked his way up to become a climbing guide, sharing his expertise and knowledge of the mountains with clients from around the world. He has successfully guided numerous clients to the summits of various peaks in the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. He is one of the Sherpa who climbed Mt. K2 in Winter.
