CommunityRaising Funds for Quake Victims
Our community came together to support earthquake relief efforts in Nepal, demonstrating the strong bonds that connect us across continents.
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༄༅། ཧི་མ་ལ་ཡ་ཤར་པ་སྐྱིད་སྡུག
Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma
"Preserving Heritage, Uniting Community."
About HSC
From the Peaks to the Vineyards
The Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma is a non-profit, non-political organization, officially established in January 2011 under California state law. We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization by the IRS.
Our mission is to preserve and promote Sherpa culture, heritage, and values. We are deeply committed to fostering a strong, united, and thriving Sherpa community in the North Bay Area of California.
Learn Our Story
Our Purpose
What We Stand For
Preserve Culture
Protecting and promoting Sherpa cultural and linguistic heritage for future generations.
Unite Community
Building strong bonds and supporting one another as we thrive in our new home.
Inspire Youth
Engaging younger generations in Sherpa traditions through community events and education.
What The Media Says
Latest News & Stories
Community
EventsSonoma Sherpas Plan Benefit
Local Sherpa community organizes benefit event to support cultural preservation initiatives and community programs.
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AchievementSonoma Man Summits K2
A member of our community achieves the remarkable feat of summiting K2, the world's most dangerous mountain.
Read MoreCelebrate With Us
Upcoming Events
Join us in celebrating our rich traditions and vibrant community through our annual and special events.
Mar2026
Annual Losar Celebration
TBDTBD
Join us for the traditional Tibetan New Year celebration with cultural performances, authentic cuisine, and community gatherings.
Aug2026
Annual Phang-ngi Celebration
TBDTBD
A day of Sherpa traditions, music, dance, and food celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Himalayan Sherpa Club, our community, and our heritage.
When did the Himalayan Sherpa Club establish?
The Himalayan Sherpa Club was established in 2011 to unite Sherpas living in and around Sonoma County. Its mission is to preserve and promote Sherpa culture abroad, educate younger generations about their heritage, and collaborate with other organizations on community-based events.
What is the main goal of HSC?
Our main goal is to preserve and promote Sherpa culture and establish a united and prosperous community with a unique and rich cultural heritage, and to strengthen the Sherpa community living in the North Bay Areas.
How can I become a member of Himalayan Sherpa Club?
To become a member of HSC, you must be of Nepalese origin, reside in Sonoma County, and be willing to volunteer for the organization whenever available. Membership is entirely based on voluntary contributions. Please fill out our membership form and submit.
How to get involved in activities organized by HSC?
As a member of HSC, you are welcome to participate in all events organized by the club. Since membership is entirely voluntary, your involvement depends on your availability and willingness to contribute. Check our Events page for upcoming activities.
How to contact HSC members?
You can directly email us through our Contact Us page or call us at the given number on the same page.
Where is HSC office located?
HSC does not have an official office yet. However, you can reach out to any of our executive members for information and assistance.
What is Sherpa?
The Sherpa are one of the ethnic groups native to the most mountainous regions of Nepal, Tingri County in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Himalayas. The term sherpa or sherwa derive from the Sherpa language words ཤར shar (“east”) and པ pa (“people”), which refer to their geographical origin of eastern Tibet.
Most Sherpa people live in the eastern regions of Nepal and Tingri County, though some live farther west in the Rolwaling Valley, Bigu and in the Helambu region north of Kathmandu. Sherpas establish gompas where they practice their religious traditions. The Sherpa language belongs to the south branch of the Tibeto-Burman languages.
Learn more about Sherpa heritageChronology of Sherpa History
Most dates are approximate
1480Sherpas originally came from Kham/Tibet
1533Sherpas cross Himalayas, settle in Khumbu
1553Settlement of Solu
1667Founding of Pangboche monastery
1720Founding of Zhung monastery
1831Founding of Khumjung monastery
1916Founding of Tengboche monastery
1923Founding of Chiwong monastery
1953Tenzing Norgay & Edmund Hillary summit Everest
Why do all Sherpas have the same last name?
Even though all Sherpas share the same last name, they are distinguished by different clans, known as Roo. These clans determine whether individuals are related or not.
Roo, a Sherpa word meaning “bones,” is inherited through the male lineage. This means a person's clan membership is determined by their father's lineage.
Four Original Clans from Kham, Tibet:
ThimmiTharkthoChawaLama
Over time, these clans branched into several brother-clans including Salakha, Gole, Gorcha, Phinasa, Serwa, Gombawa, and many more. According to Sherpa customs, marriage within the same clan or brother-clans is strictly forbidden.
Join Our Community
Together, we share our values, support one another, and preserve our rich cultural heritage. By giving and receiving, we create deeper bonds and strengthen our collective spirit.
"Your support helps us build a brighter future"
Please Support Us
Help Us Build a Himalayan Community Hall
Your contribution will help us sustain our initiatives, support ongoing projects, and bring us closer to realizing our dream of building a Himalayan Community Hall. We sincerely appreciate your generosity and support.
Stay Connected
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay updated with our latest news, events, and community activities. Join our online community to connect with fellow members.
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