My long time guide and very good friend of several treknepalwithme clients, Mingma had passed away due to illness.
I first met Mingma in 2007. In Nepal, an introductory handshake often results in the establishment of a friend for life. Despite Mingma not becoming my head guide until 2012, our friendship was sealed from our very first meeting.
Mingma has since helped me take in excess of 70 clients to Everest base Camp on seven consecutive treks. His knowledge of Nepal's beautiful Khumbu Valley, including the Everest region has been a great benefit for all of us. His level of legitimate care to every team member of every trip has been the primary reason why I have continued to use him in the very important role of head guide.
In recent years, his invite of our trek teams to come back to his house for a special farewell dinner with his family have become a true highlight. He had a beautiful gift of reaching out and befriending people.
Who can ever forget that terrible card trick he used to love performing? A 5 minute card trick he could drag out to 25 minutes..!!
And what about the time when he inconspicuously loaded a few rocks into the backpack of a fast member of the team, just to try to slow him down a little?
In at least my eyes, and perhaps several others, Mingma was a true legend.
Mingma leaves behind a wonderful wife (Nema), two terrific twin boys (yep, Mingma & Mingma) and a beautiful daughter (Lhakpa).
Rest easy my good mate, we will miss you.
Namaste
Note. Upon hearing of this sad news, several previous clients have expressed an interest in providing some financial support to Mingma's family. I am sure this would be appreciated. Please confirm if you would like to participate, either by email, response to this blog, or text or phone call and I will provide some details over the next few weeks.