Touching My Father's Soul is an extraordinary memoir by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of the legendary Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, became one of the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. In this book, Jamling reflects on his own ascent of Everest during the infamous 1996 climbing season, which claimed many lives. Combining adventure, spirituality, and personal reflection, this memoir delves into the deep cultural and spiritual connection that Sherpas have with the mountain, contrasting it with the ambitions of Western climbers. Jamling’s journey is not only physical but also an emotional exploration of his relationship with his father, his Sherpa heritage, and his personal quest to understand his role in the shadow of a great legacy.

Why read this book

• A rare Sherpa perspective on climbing Everest, offering insight into the cultural and spiritual aspects often overlooked in mountaineering literature.
• A personal and deeply emotional exploration of fatherhood, legacy, and personal identity, as Jamling seeks to honor his father’s memory while forging his own path.
• Provides an inside look at the 1996 Everest disaster, which was the subject of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, from a different and intimate perspective.
• Combines breathtaking adventure with profound reflections on spirituality, karma, and the Sherpa way of life.
• A gripping account of the dangers and triumphs of climbing Everest, with added depth from the cultural and personal narratives.

About the Authors

Jamling Tenzing Norgay is the son of Tenzing Norgay, the famed Sherpa who made history with Edmund Hillary by summiting Everest in 1953. Jamling is a mountaineer in his own right and has followed in his father’s footsteps, both literally and spiritually. His 1996 Everest expedition marked his own summit of the mountain, during one of the deadliest climbing seasons in history.

Broughton Coburn is an author and filmmaker who specializes in Himalayan culture and environmental issues. He co-authored this book with Jamling, bringing his knowledge of the region and its people to this touching narrative. Coburn’s extensive experience working and living in Nepal adds another layer of authenticity to the story.