Born in Namche Bazaar, Solukhumbu District, as Ang Phurba
Kanchha Sherpa
Deceasedकान्छा शेर्पा
Also known as Ang Phurba
Last surviving member of the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition, which achieved the first ascent of Everest
About
Kanchha Sherpa was born Ang Phurba in Namche Bazaar. He was part of the support team for the historic 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition. This expedition achieved the first successful climb to the top of the world’s highest peak, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
He went on to run a lodge in Namche Bazaar. He lived long enough to become the last surviving member of that landmark expedition. He remained a living connection to the birth of Himalayan mountaineering until his death in October 2025.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1932
- Birthplace
- Namche Bazaar, Solukhumbu District, Nepal
- Profession
- Mountaineer, High-altitude porter, Lodge owner
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 2025-10-16
Career & life timeline
- 1932
- 1953
Supported Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's team as part of the British Mount Everest Expedition
- 2025-10-16
Died in Kathmandu, the last surviving member of the 1953 expedition
Achievements
Member of the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition
The expedition that achieved the first successful ascent of Mount Everest
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-06