KATHMANDU- Sancha Rai is a distinguished figure in Nepal’s tourism industry, whose journey from humble beginnings to international recognition has made him a symbol of resilience and dedication. Born in 1992 in the remote village of Solukhumbu, Nepal—a region known for its proximity to Mount Everest—Rai faced a challenging childhood, growing up in poverty. At the young age of 14, he entered the tourism industry as a porter, carrying heavy loads through the mountainous terrain.
Despite the hardships and the tendency for people from his village to seek livelihoods elsewhere, Rai persisted in his path, driven by a deep love for the mountains and adventure. Since beginning his career in 2006, Rai has grown into a celebrated figure, achieved 11 world records, including a Guinness World Record and 6 international awards for a rare and significant achievement in mountaineering.
His hard work has earned him numerous international accolades, recently culminating in an honorary doctorate phd in tourism from the University of Cuneo in Italy. This prestigious recognition highlights his pioneering contributions to the tourism sector, particularly in promoting sustainable adventure tourism. Rai’s career has been defined by more than just his mountaineering feats.
He has worked with distinguished figures from around the world, leveraging his platform to bring attention to critical issues such as climate change. One of his notable achievements was organizing a scientific debate at the Everest Base Camp in May 2022, focused on the effects of climate change in the Himalayas.
This debate, held at 5,464 meters in coordination with two American universities, was a groundbreaking event that raised awareness of the environmental challenges facing Nepal’s mountainous regions. In addition to his environmental activism, Rai has contributed to the Khumbu Climbing Center, which focuses on educating and training future generations of climbers and guides.
His commitment to the development of Nepal’s tourism industry is reflected in his efforts to improve the lives of workers and promote ethical tourism practices. Sancha Rai’s life story is a testament to his dedication to Nepal’s tourism sector. From his early days as a porter to becoming an internationally respected tourism entrepreneur, his achievements serve as an inspiration to many. His honorary doctorate, world records, and environmental efforts all underscore his significant role in shaping the future of adventure tourism, both in Nepal and globally.
