Sherpas From Nepal rebuild Swedish Mountain Paths

Nepali Sherpas have been called in to improve the hillwalking safety on Sweden’s highest mountain Kebnekaise. Kebnekaise measures some 2100 m above sea level. Four Nepali Sherpas are currently working to build steps along the path to the souther peak of the mountain to improve safety for tourists and other hillwalkers.

“We have done this work for generations, in our home town too, so we’re used to the work. The work here is somewhat better paid, but above all it’s safer than working as a guide or a porter,”” said Ang Tempe, from Sherpa village Kunde in Nepal, who has guided climbers in the Himalayas for years.

The work is led by Norwegian company Stigbyggarna, run by entrepreneur Geir Vetti who has previously brought teams of Sherpa mountain path builders to the Norwegian mountains.

Kjell Sundsvall of the Norrbotten county administrative board explained that the steps project will make Kebnekaise safer and more accessible for the 10,000 people who climb it every year.

“A lot of accidents happen here. People break legs and arms and wrists too. Increased accessibility will probably lead to more visitors and will make it easier to reach the top,” he told Swedish radio on Thursday.

Courtesy:The local se