Our Story
US Sherpa produces fine artisan goods that are handcrafted in Nepal. Our deep roots in
​Nepal allows us to produce high quality products, while valuing the artisan's labor and their need to have sustainable and viable economic opportunities. We work to build equitable and sustainable trading partnerships that contribute to the well-being of our artisans, promote an environmental consciousness, and preserve the authentic Nepalese culture. With this mission in mind and through collaboration with generous partners, we can continue to create meaningful and beautiful products from our home base in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Meet Ongyel Sherpa

Founder, US Sherpa

Growing up in Nepal Ongyel Sherpa worked as a guide for Nima & Neema Treks and met people from around the world. This experience gave Ongyel a dream to leave Nepal, get an education and start a company. One fateful day in 1998, he thought that dream was over when he was turned down for a job in Japan. But later that same day his life would be changed forever with a single phone call.

Ongyel’s uncle was a Sherpa guide and had led an American doctor, Dr. Geoff Tabin, to the summit of Everest in 1988. Dr. Tabin had gone on to establish the Himalayan Cataract Project, a foundation with a goal to end curable blindness in the Himalayan region, and was working at a clinic nearby when he called Ongyel’s house hoping that someone could come over to the clinic to pick up a gift for Ongyel’s uncle.

Ongyel went with his father to the clinic and while talking with Dr. Tabin, told him of his dream to come to the USA. Within an hour Dr. Tabin had written a sponsor letter that allowed Ongyel to get the visa he would need to come to the US.

One month later Ongyel was on his first airplane and headed to Dr. Tabin’s home town; Burlington, Vermont. Ongyel lived with the Tabin’s for several years as he finished high school and then attended Champlain College in Burlington where he received a degree in business. Along the way Ongyel met his future wife and after college they married and settled in nearby Essex Junction when in 2005 Ongyel started his company, US Sherpa, bringing hand-made, natural fiber, artisan goods from Nepal to the US.

US Sherpa has grown steadily over the years and continues to expand their product line and distribution. Today, more than 300 people have sustainable jobs making US Sherpa products, something the company is incredibly proud of. Ongyel has returned to Nepal many times sourcing products for US Sherpa as well as guiding trekkers for Nima & Neema Treks, allowing him to keep a close spiritual connection to the people and mountains of his home country.

Ongyel has always been grateful for the support of Dr. Tabin and his family. As the Himalayan Cataract Project has grown, US Sherpa has continued to support them with guiding, lodging and logistics for their visiting physicians and medical students as part of the company’s important social mission.

Our Beliefs

Preserving and Sharing the Culture of Nepal

The artisans that make our products utilize production methods that go back generations. Many are made by hand, one at a time, using natural fibers that are both functional and beautiful and have been a part of the Nepalese culture for years

Environmentally Sustainable Sourcing

We use natural fibers and materials whenever possible but we do enhance some products with small amounts of fleece or other comfort adding fabrics. We keep packaging to a minimum and use materials that can be easily recycled. We avoid harsh chemicals, dyes and other environmentally damaging materials.

Fair Trade and Sustainable Jobs

Over 300 people are involved in making US Sherpa products, many of them were economically disadvantaged and marginalized. We hope to employ more people as our business grows and continue to train and educate artisans so that they are able to support their our economic ambitions. Through our trekking services we are able to visit our producers at least twice a year in order to ensure that they are being adequately paid and working in safe and empowering conditions.

Giving Back

​The opportunity to start US Sherpa was the direct result of the generosity of others and we strive to continue this tradition by supporting the Himalayan Cataract Project and other organizations that provide opportunities for the disadvantaged, preserve the Nepalese culture, and protect the beauty of the natural world.

Community Partners & Friends

​US Sherpa would not be the company it is today without the support of our incredible partners and friends.  The US Sherpa team would like to extend a huge thank you to our family business partners in Nepal, the incredible and hardworking trekking staff, and the Nepalese artisans.  As we continue to build our brand and expand our products and services to a larger market, we hope that all of you will remain with us and as we journey into the future.  
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What Some of Our Customers Have Said About Us

Outdoor Gear Exchange (Published in Burlington Free Press) -
 "As a buyer, I see it as a good value, and there’s the idea of supporting a culture where a little goes a long way,” - Joshua Stephen 
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Peace & Justice Store (Published in Burlington Free Press) -
 "You can see how working with people affects how they live for the better.” - Jennifer Reay, Co-Manager

Interested in becoming part of our community? Click Here to find out more about employment opportunities!
Interested in becoming a wholesale retailer? Click Here to get the process started!