More images Sherpa guide Featured snippet from the web The word ' Sherpa ' is commonly used to describe someone who is a mountain   guide   or porter working in the Everest area. But   Sherpa   is actually the name of an ethnic group of people who live in the mountains of Nepal, central Asia. Hundreds of climbers every year attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. It is a dangerous mission so most climbers rely on help from mountain guides, known as Sherpas. Read our guide to who they are and what they do. What is a 'Sherpa'? The word 'Sherpa' is commonly used to describe someone who is a mountain guide or porter working in the Everest area. But Sherpa is actually the name of an ethnic group of people who live in the mountains of Nepal, central Asia. What does a Sherpa do? Sherpas are local people who are highly skilled and experienced climbers. AP The first