VALLON Trailblazer, Gelje Sherpa is part of Nepal’s new generation of elite mountaineers. A member of the pioneering team that became the first to successfully summit K2 in winter, and known for his gruelling high-altitude rescue on Everest. Today he co-manages AGA Adventures with fellow mountaineer Adriana Brownlee, working to empower the next wave of Sherpa guides.
Gelje shared with us lessons from a life lived in the thin air of the world’s highest peaks.
A Mountaineering Philosophy Built on Respect
Gelje’s philosophy is simple but carved through years of challenging ascents at high-altitude: Respect the mountains. Prepare relentlessly. Prioritize safety above all.
“Respect for the mountains is the most important,” he says. Rooted deeply in Sherpa culture and Buddhist belief, Gelje sees the Himalaya not just as landscapes, but as living, spiritual beings. “Every mountain is holy and should be listened to and respected. If the mountain shows signs of anger then we must step away and remember the mountain will always be there.”
For Gelje, climbing is perhaps no longer a chase for summits, but more of an open dialogue. For each expedition, he attempts to focus on humility, balance, and harmony between people and the natural world.
First Lessons: Preparation & Safety Above All
“Preparation is how you train and get ready for climbing high-altitude peaks,” he explains. But readiness is never an excuse for recklessness.
“Safety is making sure you don’t take risks. Listen to your guide, avoid avalanche zones, and always train safety skills before climbing.” Even after hundreds of expeditions, Gelje walks into every climb with the same respect and awareness.
“It’s important to remember that the mountain is always more powerful than you are. Even if you have a bad experience on the mountain, you can learn from it and try again another time.”
Moments That Shaped His Path
From life-threatening expeditions to personal loss, Gelje’s path has been marked by moments that have tested his character, and shaped his perspective. The K2 winter ascent that captured the world’s attention was one of the biggest.
“This project really changed my life,” he said. “It brought my name into the limelight, which was a bit of a shock to the system as I am normally quite shy and quiet about my mountaineering achievements!”
Then came the rescue on Everest in 2023 when Gelje carried another climber down to safety - a moment now widely recognised as heroic. “I didn’t expect attention. I was just doing what felt right.”
However, not all defining moments are like another. When Gelje lost his close friend and climbing partner, Ashok, he reached a turning point.
“It felt like I lost a part of me. Ashok, me, and Adri were always planning to start our own company together, and so when he passed away, Adri and I knew that we had to start AGA in his honour and to make him proud, and so that’s exactly what we did.”
Mentors Who Came Before
Gelje’s story is built on the lessons from those who walked a similar path before him, paying homage to other Sherpas who have passed their best skills and lessons onto him.
He speaks with deep gratitude for the elder Sherpa guides who shaped his early path - especially Nuri Sherpa who believed in him, brought him to his first 8,000+ metre peak (Manaslu), and taught him what leadership at altitude truly means.
“Where I am today is the product of so many different people giving advice, opportunity, or just doing what they do best and watching them,” he reflects. “It’s hard to pick out just a few.”
Looking to the Future
AGA Adventures has since become one of Gelje’s proudest achievements. “To go from a normal Sherpa child in the village with not much future ahead to where I am today, I feel very proud,” he reflects.
Gelje’s mission today is clear: teach, guide, and uplift: “At the moment I am focusing on building my company, and teaching and expanding our Sherpas’ skills so they can be the next generation of strong and capable guides on the mountains.”
But Gelje isn’t done yet with striving for new personal achievements. Even with over 40 summits over 8,000 metres to his name, he likes to keep new goals in sight. “I have my eye on an unclimbed peak in Nepal which both Adri and I want to do together. But this will take a lot of meticulous planning.”
Gelje’s Top 5 Expedition Essentials
When we asked what always makes it into his pack, Gelje didn’t hesitate:
- A tracking device - for safety and summit verification
- VALLON Heron Glacier sunglasses - “for sunrise, to protect my eyes from snow blindness”
- Very warm gloves - a spare pair for him or a client
- Nepali flag - carried to every summit with pride
- Head torch + extra batteries - non-negotiable for any climb
Learn more about Gelje’s trailblazing story here.
