Sherpa Tenji on Everest in the inner of the PHD Double Down Suit

Sherpa Tenji grew up in Nepal, commuting 90 minutes to school by foot. As he made his way to Solokhumbu, he watched brothers and neighbours head off to the world’s highest peaks to work as Sherpas. Tenji soon followed in their footsteps as a means to pay for college in Kathmandu

Moving to Kathmandu, so far from life in the shadows of Everest, made Tenji understand that he wanted a life in the mountains, so he started formal mountaineering training, while continuing to work as a porter in the high season. This led to an initial meeting with the “Swiss Machine”, alpinist Ueli Steck.

Tenji and Ueli quickly bonded personally and professionally, climbing Everest together in 2012, followed by a technical ascent of the renowned North Face of Cholatse (a Nepalese first). Since then, Tenji’s has enjoyed success on Lhotse, Manaslu, Nuptse and Ama Dablam and, of course, Everest.

His latest Everest summit is his seventh visit to the Top of the World. In 2018, Tenji, together with Jon Griffiths, summited Everest in memory of Ueli Steck, their mutual friend, who had tragically died the year before during an acclimatization climb. Jon and Tenji captured their expedition in a unique virtual reality film.

Tenji credits Ueli Steck as a major inspiration, motivating him to gain IFMGA certification and to attempt more light and fast, alpine-style climbs in his homeland. We are delighted that our unique Double Down Suit is helping Tenji achieve that goal.

Sherpa Tenji summits Everest in a PHD Double Down Suit