A restaurateur, brewer, landscaper, and philanthropist, Lhakpa has been a steady, often understated presence in Colorado since 1997. But now, he is pursuing his most meaningful project yet, one inspired by profound personal loss and sustained by an unwavering devotion to his heritage.

Sherpa House, which Lhakpa and his wife, head chef Phurba Diki, opened in 2009, is already a cultural touchstone. More than a restaurant, it is an immersive window into the Himalayas—fragrant with the aroma of spiced lentils and momos, and adorned with décor that mirrors the warmth of Khumbu. It has become a meeting ground where Phurba’s culinary craft and Lhakpa’s hospitality create a home for both locals and the growing Sherpa community.

Entrepreneurship, however, is only part of his story. In 2013, Lhakpa and his brothers founded Nepal’s first craft brewery—Sherpa Brewery—now a major employer and producer of pure, additive-free beer back home. For Lhakpa, business has always been inseparable from service, a philosophy echoed by those who know him well.

His philanthropic footprint across Nepal is deep and enduring. He has been a dependable source of support in times of crisis—from rebuilding after the 2015 earthquake to extending aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has contributed millions to reconstruct his school, build hostels, open health posts, improve road access, and establish a Vipassanā meditation center. Through his non-profit, Hike for Help, he turns adventure into impact: leading American students through Solukhumbu and channeling every dollar earned into community development.

Yet the inspiration for his most personal mission came from tragedy. Three years ago, Lhakpa’s younger brother, Nima—an integral part of Sherpa House—passed away unexpectedly.

What followed revealed a painful gap. “We had no proper place to say goodbye,” Lhakpa recalls softly. “Our culture asks us to gather, pray, and welcome relatives for days. But for Nima, we were squeezed into a small home. We couldn’t offer the space or the hospitality he deserved. I never want another family to go through that.”

That moment of grief gave rise to a powerful vision. The Sherpa Community Center will be far more than a building—it will be a sanctuary. A place for weddings and celebrations, for cultural preservation and learning, and for families to find comfort during their most difficult hours.

As the Sherpa population in Colorado continues to grow, drawn perhaps by the call of mountains that feel like home, Lhakpa Sherpa is creating a foundation for their future. He is not simply constructing a community center; he is shaping a legacy—a permanent home for his people’s spirit, thousands of miles from Everest, yet rooted exactly where it is needed most.