I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
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As someone who’s always been a bit of a nerd for airlines, hotels, and the travel world in general, I was pretty excited to dive into HIMBU, the autobiography of Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa. If you’ve flown with Yeti Airlines or stayed at a Mountain Lodges of Nepal (previously Yeti Mountain Home) or Kasara Resort property, then you’ve already experienced a slice of his incredible legacy. He’s the man behind Yeti Airlines, Tara Air, Thamserku, Himalaya Airlines, and more!
The book gives a breezy glimpse into the many chapters of his life from business ventures to personal milestones. While it doesn’t dig too deep into any one story (understandably so – he’s done a lot), it offers enough to keep you curious and inspired. One of parts that is deeply personal and reflective is about his role as a father and the times when he was not there… as he was building an empire. He is the husband of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest. The final chapter about his own Seven Summits journey is a total page-turner – full of struggle, grit, and awe-inspiring achievement.
For someone like me who followed the rise of Yeti Airlines, it was a treat to read how he managed to secure the funds for their first aircraft and navigate the fierce airline price wars of the early 2000s. I remember the days when flying to Pokhara on a sleek Jetstream 41 would only cost around NPR 1500–1800!
The book wraps up with his vision for giving back through the SAS Trust, a foundation he runs with his wife Anita, focused on uplifting communities across Nepal. With more plans and purpose ahead, I have no doubt there’s another chapter (or book!) waiting to be written.
If you’re into aviation, adventure, or stories of big dreams coming to life in Nepal—HIMBU is definitely worth a read.
