Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary reached the top of Qomolangma in 1953. It was an important event in the mountain climbing history. Also, it was a turning point in the lives of Sherpa people.
Before 1953, Sherpa people led a very simple and peaceful life. Most of them worked on farms. They had very little connection with people from other parts of the world. Now thingshave changed, and thanks to technology, the Sherpa world is much better connected.
Tourism (旅游业) is also a main force in changing the lives of Sherpas. After 1953, especially in the1970s, the number of tourists to Nepal increased greatly. Today, tourism is the biggest source of income (收入来源) for Sherpas. Many Sherpas now have a richer life.
Back in 1953, education and health care in Sherpa villages were poor. These days, however, there are many schools and medical clinics (诊所).Changes have also come to Sherpas' dinner table: they eat healthier food than they used to. They can also get food from other places. Besides, they are able to get and use quality building materials. The new buildings are much safer than they used to be.
There are some Sherpas, however, who like the old way of living their lives. Some older Sherpas are upset that people seem to be moving away from the traditional way of life. They believe that some Sherpas these days think too much about money. As a result, they are losing the ability to pay attention to true happiness.
