Meet Ongyel Sherpa, Founder and CEO of US Sherpa. Born and raised in Nepal to an ethnic Sherpa family, his entire family worked in the trekking and mountaineering profession. The mountaineering connection led him to a once in a lifetime opportunity to come to the USA when he met Dr. Geoff Tabin (world renowned mountaineer and humanitarian). 

Ongyel came to his dream country in 1998 and lived with Dr. Tabin's family for four and a half years while the family helped him go to high school and college. Determined to use his education well and to bring his Nepal and Vermont families together, Ongyel founded US Sherpa in 2006. 

The company produces functional products in Nepal for the active, caring and outdoor lifestyle. Their products are all fair trade and directly create jobs and income for Nepalese communities. US Sherpa also works with established organizations in Nepal such as the Disabled Service Center and the Women's Skills Development Organization. Aside from producing and distributing products, US Sherpa offers guided services in Nepal for trekkers, mountaineers and cultural tourists who want to experience authentic journeys. 

Ongyel lives happily in South Burlington, Vermont with his wife whom he met in college, his 10 year old daughter and 7 year old son. Ongyel continues to travel every year to source products, guide trips, and visit his family and friends while also exploring new regions of Nepal and climbing mountains. By now, Ongyel has made 25 different trips back home to his native country. 

When he is not adventuring in Nepal, he loves to hang out with his family and friends in Vermont. Ongyel loves the beautiful state of Vermont where he loves anything outdoors whether it is a winter ascent of Mount Mansfield, camping at a Long Trail shelter, paddle boarding on Lake Champlain, skiing at Bolton or enjoying a bonfire on a cool autumn night.