Khumbu: Gateway to Mount Everest – Pathways to Kinship

Book Author  Peter Laurenson
Rights Available World excl. NZ

Ever since Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Everest with Tenzing Norgay, New Zealanders have connected strongly with the mountainous Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. For over three decades, photographer Peter Laurenson has repeatedly visited Khumbu, the Nepalese gateway to Mount Everest and home to the Sherpa people. On his second visit, a chance meeting with a Sherpa family sparked a friendship that grew stronger as Laurenson brought his three sons, each in turn, to trek through this enchanted region.

Accompanying this unfolding story of kinship are Laurenson’s insights into Sherpa culture, the explosion of activity on Everest, and the changing nature of Khumbu as the area’s popularity grew. Throughout, his striking photographs convey the essence of this remarkable land and its people.

A story about an unexpected friendship that grew between two families – one Kiwi, the other Sherpa. Beginning in 1988 with a trek in Nepal, immediately to the south of Mount Everest, a fascinating three-decade journey unfolded, as a keen traveller and photographer was enchanted by a place called Khumbu.

Awards
Winner of the Mountain and Adventure Heritage Award at the 2022 NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival.

About the Author
A New Zealander based in Wellington, Peter Laurenson is father to Ben, Ed and Will and partner to Cathy Johnston. He is Editor of and contributor to Federated Mountain Club’s Backcountry. He also writes for Wilderness Magazine and, occasionally, other publications. Peter had a career in marketing management, including periods with the New Zealand Tourism Board and the eco-sanctuary Zealandia. More recently marketing work has taken a back-seat to tramping and mountaineering, still photography and writing. Since leaving New Zealand for his O.E. in 1988, he and his camera have been drawn to many mountain places, in particular in Nepal; and back home in New Zealand. His mountain and travel adventures come together on his website www.occasionalclimber.co.nz.