Editing Porter (carrier) (section)

== Expeditions ==
Porters, frequently called ''Sherpas'' in the Himalayas (after [[Sherpa people|the ethnic group most Himalayan porters come from]]), are also an essential part of mountaineering: they are typically highly skilled professionals who specialize in the logistics of mountain climbing, not merely people paid to carry loads (although carrying is integral to the profession). Frequently, porters/Sherpas work for companies who hire them out to climbing groups, to serve both as porters and as [[mountain guide]]s; the term "guide" is often used interchangeably with "Sherpa" or "porter", but there are certain differences. Porters are expected to prepare the route before and/or while the main expedition climbs, climbing up beforehand with tents, food, water, and equipment (enough for themselves and for the main expedition), which they place in carefully located deposits on the mountain. This preparation can take months of work before the main expedition starts. Doing this involves numerous trips up and down the mountain, until the last and smallest supply deposit is planted shortly below the peak. When the route is prepared, either entirely or in stages ahead of the expedition, the main body follows. The last stage is often done without the porters, they remaining at the last camp, a quarter mile or below the summit, meaning only the main expedition is given the credit for mounting the summit. In many cases, since the porters are going ahead, they are forced to freeclimb, driving spikes and laying safety lines for the main expedition to use as they follow. Porters (such as Sherpas for example), are frequently local ethnic types, well adapted to living in the rarified atmosphere and accustomed to life in the mountains. Although they receive little glory, porters or Sherpas are often considered among the most skilled of mountaineers, and are generally treated with respect, since the success of the entire expedition is only possible through their work. They are also often called upon to stage rescue expeditions when a part of the party is endangered or there is an injury; when a rescue attempt is successful, several porters are usually called upon to transport the injured climber(s) back down the mountain so the expedition can continue. A well known incident where porters attempted to rescue numerous stranded climbers, and often died as a result, is the [[2008 K2 disaster]]. Sixteen Sherpas were killed in the [[2014 Mount Everest ice avalanche]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avalanche kills 16 Sherpas on Mt. Everest {{!}} April 18, 2014 |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/mt-everest-sees-its-single-deadliest-day |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=HISTORY |date=11 June 2014 |language=en}}</ref> This incited the entire Sherpa guide community to refuse to undertake any more ascents for the remainder of the year, making any further expeditions impossible.