FIND YOUR
PERFECT HOLIDAY
India Local Leader - Pemba Sherpa
Born in Darjeeling and still living there with his wife and young child, Pemba left school early to begin work in the outdoors. Pemba has completed his basic and advance mountaineering courses as well as his Method of Instruction and Mountain rescue courses from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling where he also worked for 3 years as an Instructor before joining Rimo Expeditions. Pemba also spent 2 years at Bryanston School as an outward bound instructor and passed his leadership training programs and map reading successfully. Very pleasant natured and always smiling, Pemba has been guiding in Ladakh, Sikkim and Bhutan.
We interviewed each of our leaders and here is what Pemba had to say...
How old are you?
I am 28 years old
Where were you born?
Darjeeling
Where do you live now?
Sonada, Darjeeling.
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
We are six brothers and one sister.
Can you give a brief outline of your education?
I went to school till class seven in home town but had to leave school due to financial problem and started working.
Are you married and do you have any children?
Yes I am married and I have my ten month old baby
How did you come to be working in the tourism industry?
I was very intrested to became a mountaineer, so I did start my basic & advance mountainering courses from H.M.I. Darjeeling as well as the M.O.I (Method of Instruction Course). I worked as a guest instructor in the same institute for 4 years, and later I came to RIMO.
Have you had any training specific to working with foreign tourists?
Yes I did pass my MLT, in the UK, where I learned how to look after groups in mountain environments, and also First Aid course which I passed from world challenge center in london.
What is your first language?
My first language is Nepali.
What languages do you speak?
English, Japanese, little bit of German, and other indian language - hindi, bengali, nagamese, and some other
How did you learn to speak English?
After going on treks and I improved when I went to England for my MLT and worked in Bryanston School for 2 years as an outdoor Instructor and Dormitory in charge.
Which KE holiday do you most like to lead?
DTB - From Darjeeling to Bhutan
What has been the most amusing moment you have experienced on a KE holiday?
Can't remember
What has been the most challenging incident you have faced on a KE holiday?
Not till now
Do you think that foreign tourism is a good thing for your country?
Yes absolutely
What do you think is the future of foreign tourism in your country?
It will be much better if all indian people learn to keep the country clean then it will became more popular in future.
What do you do with your free time?
I work on the farm with my wife, and read books about flora and fauna.
What is your favourite sport?
Squash and swimming.
When travelling with a group, what do the local people say about your clients?
They ask about where are they from and where are they going, whether they like this place.
Have you travelled abroad, and if so where?
Yes, England
Which countries would you like to visit?
GERMANY
What music do you listen to - who is your favourite performer?
I mostly listen to gazals (Indian classical music), and my favourite performer or singer is Jagjit singh
Which person do you most admire in the world?
My late parents.
What you have to say about Pemba...
"The local guide Pemba Sherpa was absolutely brilliant in all aspects and we would thoroughly recommend him." Anna Newton
"Pemba Sherpa was an outstanding guide. He knew all about the mountains, took care of us in a friendly but not overbearing way, and was very well informed on everything from mountain lore to bird life. We had lots of very interesting discussions with him over the local culture, and his impressions of the UK. He has a lovely sense of humour, and was very easy to get to know. A lovely man!" Carolyn Smith
"Pemba Sherpa exceeded our expectations and is easily the best leader (far better than any european leader) I have had on any of my trekking trips with various companies." Richard Newton
