Kelly Porter

Just had the most extraordinary brunch with Tendi – the guy on the left – who is visiting SF this week. He works as a sherpa on Mt Everest and has summitted mountains above 25,000 feet a total of 51 times. He puts himself in harms way almost daily, has an incredibly infectuous smile, the peaceful spirit of a man who contemplates life from the tops of mountains, and a wonderfully engaged way in life. Thank you Olya Lapina – and good luck to the two of you on Mt Ranier next week!

Olya Lapina

We just summited Aconcagua, the first Nepali and the first Russian female to summit via Polish Glacier route. Tendi turned to me and said: “Now you do not need a guide to climb Aconcagua.” Ha! Tendi raised the bar! Thank you, dai, for bringing me closer to my aspiration of climbing unguided and unsupported; for making me a better climber and a better human being; leading me to great heights both mountains and spiritual. In the presence of Tendi Sherpa, one will find sound guidance, risk assessment, decision making, safety priority, and the highest level of expertise. Tendi is a true guide at heart, phenomenal climber and a beautiful human being. Thank you for your guidance and your friendship, Tendi!” Olya Lapina, entrepreneur, climber Sanfrancisco, USA www.mountica.com

Hernan Carracedo

I reached the summit of Mount Everest in May 2012 and Tendi Sherpa, with his experience of 10 previous summits, was crucial in such an accomplishment. During my stay in the Himalayas, I asked Tendi lots of questions about his culture, religion, etc. Maybe my questions were very silly, considering I belong to the Occidental World. It´s such a different culture! But I always found Tendi ready to share all his knowledge with humility and kindness. I had the opportunity to meet Tendi in a two-month expedition in the Himalayas. During that time I got to know a kindhearted person who not only made me laugh with his jokes, but also had the right words in the most difficult situations I had to undergo. It`s amazing to see how many characteristics coexist in the same person; the innocence of a curious young man, the determination of an experienced climber, and the permanent good mood of a wise person. Even during the toughest moments of the expedition, there he was, with his wide smile, ready for a friendly chat. Hernan Carracedo Neuquén, Argentina www.everest2012.com.ar

Robert Brisbane

Tendi Sherpa was one of the leader/guides during my attempt to climb the highest point on the planet outside of the Himalayas – Aconcagua, in the Andes of Argentina, with my two sons and nephew in 2013. What a tremendous honour it was. Later that year, my daughter and I caught up with Tendi in Kathmandu, where we met his family and were shown his astonishing variety of well-kept climbing gear. Tendi is well-respected in the Sherpa and wider Nepalese communities, and other guides and climbers seek out his guidance. He has summited Everest with clients on multiple occasions, as well as other peaks around the world. His strength and perseverance, his knowledge and common sense, and his courage are legendary. His self-effacing nature, sparkling personality, politeness and sense of humour serve him well on the mountains, where things do not always go to plan. I would travel with him anywhere! From your friend Robert Brisbane, Queensland, Australia