Pasang Lhamu Sherpa: The First Nepalese Woman to Conquer Mount Everest
Introduction
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa remains an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and female empowerment in Nepal and beyond. On April 22, 1993, she became the first Nepalese woman to summit Mount Everest, a historic achievement that came at the ultimate cost—her life. Her story is one of defiance against cultural norms, relentless perseverance, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of women climbers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
Her early life and struggles
The challenges she faced as a female mountaineer
Her historic Everest climb and tragic demise
Her enduring legacy in Nepal and the mountaineering world
How her story is being preserved through film and tributes
Early Life: Defying Expectations from the Start
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was born on December 10, 1961, in Surke, Solukhumbu district, Nepal, into a Sherpa family where mountaineering was a male-dominated profession 37. From a young age, she defied traditional gender roles:
Rejected an arranged marriage at 17 and eloped with Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, a fellow climbing enthusiast 34.
Co-founded Thamserku Trekking, which grew into one of Nepal’s most successful expedition agencies 57.
Climbed multiple peaks, including Mount Blanc (1983) and Cho Oyu, before setting her sights on Everest 35.
Despite her passion, she faced immense societal backlash. As a woman, climbing was seen as "irresponsible," while men were celebrated for the same feats 5.
The Fight to Climb Everest
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s journey to Everest was fraught with obstacles:
1. Discrimination from Foreign Climbers
In 1990, she guided a French expedition led by Marc Batard but was forced to turn back at 8,000 meters because the team deemed her "too slow" 57.
Her husband filed a formal complaint with Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism, arguing that a foreigner had no right to deny a Nepali woman the chance to climb her own country’s mountain 5.
2. Government Resistance
The Nepalese government initially refused to grant her a permit, believing women were unfit for such expeditions 7.
After persistent lobbying, she was finally allowed to lead an all-Sherpa team in 1993 3.
3. Three Failed Attempts
1990: Turned back by Batard’s team.
1991: Reached 8,500 meters before weather forced retreat.
1992: Another unsuccessful attempt with her husband 7.
Triumph and Tragedy: The 1993 Everest Expedition
On April 22, 1993, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa summitted Everest at 2:30 PM via the South Col route, making history as the first Nepali woman to stand atop the world’s highest peak 68.
The Descent That Claimed Her Life
During the descent, teammate Sonam Chhiring Sherpa fell ill with altitude sickness.
Pasang refused to leave him behind, staying while others went for oxygen.
A sudden blizzard trapped them near the South Summit, where they succumbed to exhaustion and hypoxia 36.
Her body was later recovered and brought to Kathmandu, where thousands attended her funeral 7.
Legacy: How Nepal Honors Its Heroine
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s sacrifice transformed her into a national icon:
1. Monuments and Honors
Statue in Kathmandu: A life-sized monument watches over the city 35.
Postage Stamp: Her face adorns Nepalese stamps 57.
Nepal Star: Awarded posthumously by the king 8.
2. Geographic Tributes
Pasang Lhamu Highway: A 117-km road from Trishuli to Dhunche 57.
Pasang Lhamu Chuli (Jasamba): A 7,350m peak named in her honor 57.
Lhamu Crater on the Moon: Recognized by the International Astronomical Union 6.
3. Inspiring Future Generations
Her biography is taught in Nepalese schools 7.
The Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation supports female climbers 3.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, named after her, became the first Nepali woman to summit K2 2.
The Documentary: Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest
In 2022, director Nancy Svendsen released a documentary chronicling Pasang’s life:
Features interviews with family, teammates, and historians 8.
Highlights her struggles against sexism and political barriers 1.
Premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, with her daughter Dawa attending 8.
Watch the trailer here 1.
Conclusion: Why Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s Story Matters Today
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s legacy is more than a mountaineering feat—it’s a symbol of gender equality and national pride. Her determination in the face of cultural, political, and natural adversities continues to inspire women worldwide.
Key Takeaways
✔ First Nepali woman on Everest – a milestone in climbing history.
✔ Fought sexism in a male-dominated field.
✔ Posthumously honored with roads, peaks, and even a moon crater.
✔ Her story lives on through documentaries, foundations, and education.
For those seeking inspiration, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s life reminds us that no mountain—literal or societal—is too high to climb.
Further Reading & Resources
Watch the documentary trailer 1
Learn about Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita 2
Visit her statue in Kathmandu 4
#PasangLhamuSherpa #Everest #WomenInMountaineering #NepalHeroes
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