Impact of COVID-19 on the Sherpa Community's Small-Scale Businesses in Nepal

Introduction: The Sherpa community in Nepal has a long-standing reputation as skilled

mountaineers, trekkers, and guides in the Himalayas. Beyond their adventurous pursuits, the
Sherpas have established a vibrant small-scale business ecosystem that caters to the tourism
industry. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal in early 2020 brought
unprecedented challenges for the Sherpa community, affecting their livelihoods and the overall
economy. This two-page report examines the profound impact of COVID-19 on the Sherpa
community's small-scale businesses and highlights the measures taken to mitigate the challenges.

Decline in Tourism: Nepal's tourism sector heavily relies on international visitors, and the Sherpa
community, being an integral part of the industry, witnessed a significant decline in tourist arrivals
due to COVID-19. International travel restrictions, lockdowns, and fear of contracting the virus
resulted in the closure of popular trekking routes, cancellation of mountaineering expeditions, and
reduced footfall in Sherpa-owned tea houses, lodges, and restaurants. The decline in tourism directly
affected the Sherpa community's income and their ability to sustain their businesses.

Loss of Livelihood: The loss of income from tourism impacted the Sherpa community's livelihoods.
Many Sherpas were forced to lay off their employees, and others faced reduced wages and
uncertain employment conditions. The closure of small-scale businesses had a cascading effect on
the local economy, leading to a decrease in household incomes and living standards. Moreover,
Sherpas who relied on remittances from family members working overseas also faced difficulties as
the global economy experienced a downturn.

Health and Safety Concerns: The Sherpa community faced health and safety concerns amid the
pandemic. As the virus spread, Sherpas were apprehensive about interacting with tourists and
catering to their needs. The fear of contracting COVID-19 led to a decline in the willingness of
Sherpas to engage in their traditional business activities, resulting in further economic losses. The
health and safety protocols implemented in response to the pandemic, such as social distancing,
mask-wearing, and sanitization requirements, also added to the operational costs for small-scale
businesses.

Adaptation and Resilience: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Sherpa community
demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Many Sherpas diversified their business
activities and explored alternative sources of income. Some turned to agriculture, animal husbandry,
or small-scale local trade to sustain themselves during the crisis. Additionally, some Sherpas engaged
in online platforms to provide virtual tours, language classes, or cultural experiences, leveraging
technology to generate income while adhering to safety measures.

Government Support and Initiatives: The Nepalese government recognized the plight of the Sherpa
community and introduced various support measures. Financial relief packages, tax exemptions, and
low-interest loan schemes were initiated to provide temporary relief to affected businesses. The
government also prioritized vaccination campaigns in regions heavily reliant on tourism, including
areas inhabited by Sherpas, to instill confidence among tourists and expedite the recovery of the
tourism sector.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the Sherpa community's small-scale
businesses in Nepal, causing a decline in tourism, loss of livelihoods, and health and safety concerns.
However, through their resilience and adaptability, the Sherpas have begun exploring alternative
income sources and embracing technology. The government's support measures have also played a
crucial role in mitigating the challenges faced by the community. As the global situation improves, it
is essential to sustain this momentum and provide continued assistance to help the Sherpa
community recover and rebuild their small-scale businesses, contributing to the overall revival of
Nepal's tourism sector.
References

 Ministry of Tourism, Nepal: Official website of the Ministry of Tourism, Nepal.

(http://www.tourism.gov.np/)
 The Himalayan Times: English-language newspaper in Nepal.
(https://thehimalayantimes.com/)
 World Bank: Reports and publications on various economic aspects, including the impact of
COVID-19. (https://www.worldbank.org/)