This near-disaster spurred him to pursue formal training in avalanche rescue, first aid, and oxygen use.

By 2013, Haba village mandated a 1:1 guide-to-client ratio, institutionalizing safety standards, which Sha says he couldn't champion more. In 2017, he used a government grant to build Haba's first ethnic Yi homestay.

As his guiding business expanded, he began regularly leading groups of about 30 climbers each day.

"Our modest three-room guesthouse was never intended for such volume, so I partner with larger hotels in the area to accommodate guests," he says.

Those services have brought Sha earnings of about 120,000 yuan annually.

To date, more than 50 homestays across the village, along with 12 restaurants and 400 guides serving 17,000 annual visitors, generate about 19 million yuan in tourism revenue, according to local officials.

Despite 50 competing lodges, Sha plans to invest 800,000 yuan in a premium homestay, betting on service quality over subsidies.

He believes competition elevates the village collectively.

"Better offerings attract more visitors, benefiting everyone," he says.