Wildlife photographer Sherpa dreams dashed

KATHMANDU: Chungba Sherpa, a prominent figure in wildlife photography, was preparing for a photography expedition to Indonesia in recent days.

According to family sources, he had finalized all arrangements, including purchasing plane tickets, ten days before the scheduled journey.

This trip was considered one of the most significant endeavors of his photography career. However, a week prior to the departure, Sherpa fell ill unexpectedly.

Diagnosed with liver-related complications, he was admitted to Grande Hospital in Kathmandu, where he was placed on a ventilator.

Sadly, he passed away at the age of 64 on Sunday at 12:15 AM, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams and a legacy that will be remembered forever.

Born in Lukla, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-1, Sherpa had been actively involved in wildlife photography for the past five years.

He had ventured into various national parks and remote areas across Nepal, capturing stunning images of rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and wild yak. His photographs garnered both national and international acclaim.

Sherpa’s life was a testament to resilience and achievement, serving as an inspiration for many. His public career began in 1983 as the Pradhan Panch of the then Chaurikharka Village Panchayat.

After the advent of multiparty democracy, he joined the Nepali Congress and recently held the position of Chair of the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Committee. His contributions to education, healthcare, and clean drinking water projects in the region were highly impactful.

He played a pivotal role in establishing a secondary school in Chaurikharka near the Lukla Airport, a fact highlighted by Ward Chairman Funuru Sherpa. “We have lost a pillar of Khumbu. He was selfless, kind-hearted, and dedicated to serving the community without any personal gain,” Funuru shared.

Bhumi Raj Upadhyay, former Chief Conservation Officer of Sagarmatha National Park, praised Sherpa’s work, saying, “Chungba Sherpa was not just a wildlife photographer but a global icon. His contributions significantly promoted wildlife tourism and reflected his profound love for nature.”

Sherpa began his wildlife photography journey at the age of 57 after retiring from a successful career with Yeti Airlines and running a hospitality business. With his children well-established, he pursued his childhood dream with passion.

Using high-end Canon cameras and lenses, he enhanced his skills through online courses from international experts. His dedication to wildlife photography often involved personal risk. He once narrowly escaped an attack from a wild yak while capturing its photograph and had a similar close encounter with a tiger.

Sherpa received special permission from Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to photograph in protected areas across the country.

He visited Chitwan National Park 33 times, making it his most frequented destination, according to Ward Chairman Funuru.

His expeditions also extended to remote areas like Limi Valley near the Tibet border, where he captured breathtaking images of rare wild yaks. Experts regard his photographs as some of the finest in wildlife photography.

Sherpa’s work significantly contributed to promoting Nepal’s wildlife tourism. He was honored by organizations such as the Bird Conservation Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation, and Nepal Tourism Board.

Sherpa is survived by two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Chhewang Sherpa, is a doctor, while his daughter, Benda Phuti Sherpa, is an airline captain. His wife, Ang Phuti Sherpa, passed away 10 months ago, and his younger daughter, Mingma Sherpa, succumbed to uterine cancer 18 months ago.

Family members recall Sherpa’s passion for photography was never driven by financial gain. His sole aim was to contribute to Nepal’s wildlife conservation and tourism promotion through his work.

His legacy as a visionary and a selfless individual will be cherished for generations to come.