༄༅། ང་ཚོའི་ལོ་རྒྱུས།
Our History
From humble beginnings to a thriving community — discover the journey of the Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma
15+
Years of Service
100+
Member Families
50+
Events Organized
$100K+
Funds Raised
Our Story
A Testament to Resilience & Community Spirit
The Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma has grown from informal gatherings of a few families to become one of the most vibrant Sherpa community organizations in the Northern Bay Area of California. Our history is a testament to the resilience, cultural pride, and community spirit that defines the Sherpa people.
First Sherpa Arrival
Chhiring Sherpa, Ongda Sherpa and Nima Sherpa arrived in Sonoma County. More of their friends joined in the mid 90s, laying the foundation for the community.
Community Growth
More Sherpa families began settling in Sonoma County, leading to a growing community and increased cultural activities.
First Volleyball Tournament
The community members organized its first volleyball tournament, fostering community spirit and engagement through sports.
Community Beginnings
A small group of Sherpa families in Sonoma County began gathering informally to celebrate cultural traditions and support one another.
Formation of the Club
The Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma was officially formed to provide a more organized structure for community events and support.
First Losar Celebration
The HSC community organized its first public Losar ( Sherpa New Year) celebration, attracting Sherpa families across the Northern Bay Area of California.
Support Nepali Artists
The HSC community started inviting Nepali artists to showcase their work, fostering cultural exchange and support for the arts.
Community Growth
The club experienced significant growth in membership and community engagement, expanding its programs and outreach efforts. It also received 501(c)(3) status the following year, 2014.
Himalayan Sonoma FC Founded
Pemba Sherpa Founded Himalayan Sonoma FC, a soccer team that would go on to become a beloved part of the community and a platform for youth engagement. Ever since HSC started organizing soccer tournaments (instead of volleyball).
Everest Avalanche Relief
The Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma conducted a fundraising campaign to support the families of Sherpas who lost their lives in the Everest avalanche.
Leadership Change
The founding members of the club began to pass on leadership roles to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of the community’s mission and activities.
Nepal Earthquake Response
Following the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, the club mobilized to raise funds and provide support to affected communities in the Himalayan region.
Himalayan Cup Soccer Tournament
The club officially organized the first-ever Himalayan Cup Soccer Tournament targeting out-of-state teams, bringing together teams from the Nepali community and beyond.
Annual Phang-ngi Celebration Started
The club organized its first annual Phang-ngi celebration, honoring Sherpa culture and traditions with food, music, and dance. Each year, the four families from the community take turns hosting the event, and it has become a beloved tradition that brings everyone together.
New Generation Leadership
The younger generation of Sherpa community members took on leadership roles, bringing fresh energy and ideas to continue the legacy.
Community Center Vision
The club began planning for a permanent community center to serve as a hub for cultural activities, education, and gatherings.
100+ Families Strong
Membership grew to over 100 families, representing one of the largest Sherpa communities in the Northern Bay Area of California.
Virtual Community
Adapted to the pandemic by hosting virtual events and gatherings, keeping the community connected despite physical distancing challenges.
$10K Soccer Tournament
The club organized a Labor Day soccer tournament with one of the highest prizes in Bay Area Nepali Soccer tournament history. Bhutanese Youth Sport Center from Minnesota won.
Lhosar Celebration Continues
HSC continued to host annual Losar celebrations, drawing larger crowds each year and becoming a cherished tradition for the community.
Summit Legends Event
Proudly hosted this special event at Veterans Memorial Hall, celebrating three extraordinary Sherpa mountaineers with Guinness World Records.
Continuing the Legacy
The club continues to grow and thrive, serving as a vital link between Sherpa heritage and the Sonoma County community.
Chotrul Monlam Festival
Members contributed to the Chotrul Monlam Festival 2025 at Richmond Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco—three days of sacred prayers and celebration.
Thotrul(Leaving and Dying)Teaching |
HSC women group hosted this special teaching by Tulku Nawang Lopsung Rinpoche at the Sonoma Community Center, explaining the significance of leaving and dying in Buddhism.
Highlights
Moments That Defined Us
Formation of the Club
The Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma was officially formed to provide a more organized structure for community events and support.
First Losar Celebration
The HSC community organized its first public Losar ( Sherpa New Year) celebration, attracting Sherpa families across the Northern Bay Area of California.
Support Nepali Artists
The HSC community started inviting Nepali artists to showcase their work, fostering cultural exchange and support for the arts.
Everest Avalanche Relief
The Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma conducted a fundraising campaign to support the families of Sherpas who lost their lives in the Everest avalanche.
Nepal Earthquake Response
Following the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, the club mobilized to raise funds and provide support to affected communities in the Himalayan region.
100+ Families Strong
Membership grew to over 100 families, representing one of the largest Sherpa communities in the Northern Bay Area of California.
$10K Soccer Tournament
The club organized a Labor Day soccer tournament with one of the highest prizes in Bay Area Nepali Soccer tournament history. Bhutanese Youth Sport Center from Minnesota won.
Summit Legends Event
Proudly hosted this special event at Veterans Memorial Hall, celebrating three extraordinary Sherpa mountaineers with Guinness World Records.
Chotrul Monlam Festival
Members contributed to the Chotrul Monlam Festival 2025 at Richmond Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco—three days of sacred prayers and celebration.
Thotrul(Leaving and Dying)Teaching |
HSC women group hosted this special teaching by Tulku Nawang Lopsung Rinpoche at the Sonoma Community Center, explaining the significance of leaving and dying in Buddhism.
Be Part of Our Story
As we continue to grow, our commitment to preserving Sherpa culture and supporting our community remains stronger than ever. Join us in writing the next chapter.