Pasang Lhamu Sherpa (December 10, 1961 – April 22, 1993) was a pioneering Nepali mountaineer and the first Nepali woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She is celebrated for breaking gender barriers in high-altitude mountaineering and inspiring generations of Nepali women and mountaineers worldwide. Her courage and determination made her a symbol of female empowerment and national pride in Nepal.

Key Facts at a Glance

Full Name: Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

Born: December 10, 1961, Lukla, Solukhumbu, Nepal

Died: April 22, 1993, Mount Everest, Nepal

Occupation: Mountaineer, Trekking Guide

Spouse: Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa

Children: Two daughters (Dawa Futi Sherpa and Diki Sherpa) and one son (Namgyal Sherpa)

Historic Achievement: First Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest

Awards: Posthumously awarded the “Nepal Tara (Star)” by the King of Nepal

Legacy: Pasang Lhamu Peak, Pasang Lhamu Highway, statues and memorials in her honor

Early Life and Background

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was born in Lukla, a mountainous village in Solukhumbu District, Nepal, in 1961. She grew up in a traditional Sherpa family with close ties to trekking and mountaineering, which shaped her early life.

From a young age, Pasang developed a strong connection to the mountains, often assisting on trekking expeditions with her family. She displayed a combination of physical endurance, courage, and determination—qualities that would later define her mountaineering career.

Despite societal expectations and challenges faced by women in her community, Pasang pursued her passion for climbing, determined to achieve something extraordinary in a male-dominated field.

Mountaineering Career

Pasang Lhamu’s mountaineering journey was marked by skill, preparation, and resilience.

Early Climbs: Before Everest, she successfully summited several peaks, including Cho Oyu, Yala Peak, Pisang Peak, and Mount Blanc, gaining high-altitude experience.

Everest Summit: On April 22, 1993, Pasang Lhamu became the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest. She was accompanied by a team including Sherpas Sonam Tshering, Lhakpa Norbu, Pemba Dorje, and Dawa Tashi.

Tragic Descent: Unfortunately, she lost her life during the descent near the South Summit due to extreme weather and exhaustion. Her sacrifice underscored the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering while highlighting her courage.

Pasang Lhamu’s achievement demonstrated that Nepali women could excel in extreme mountaineering and helped pave the way for future generations of female climbers.

Legacy and Honors

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s contributions to mountaineering and Nepali society have been widely recognized:

Nepal Tara (Star): Posthumously awarded by the King of Nepal for her achievement.

Pasang Lhamu Peak: A peak in the Mahalangur Range was named in her honor.

Statue: A statue of Pasang Lhamu was erected in Bouddha, Kathmandu to commemorate her courage.

Pasang Lhamu Highway: A 117 km road from Trishuli to Dunche renamed to honor her.

Memorial Halls & Schools: Institutions established to inspire young Nepalis, especially girls, to pursue education and mountaineering.

Her legacy continues to inspire climbers, especially women, to break social and physical barriers in mountaineering.

Cultural Impact

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa’s ascent of Mount Everest was more than a mountaineering milestone. It:

Challenged traditional gender roles in Nepal.

Inspired young women to pursue careers in mountaineering and other male-dominated fields.

Highlighted the skills, bravery, and dedication of Sherpas, giving them global recognition.

Became a symbol of national pride, with her story taught in schools and celebrated in Nepali culture.

Personal Life

Spouse: Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa

Children: Two daughters and one son, who continue to honor her legacy

Hobbies & Interests: Mountaineering, trekking, and community involvement

Personality Traits: Courageous, determined, humble, and socially conscious

Conclusion

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa remains a legendary figure in Nepali history. Her historic Everest ascent, coupled with her dedication and bravery, inspired generations of Nepali women and mountaineers. Although her life was tragically cut short, her legacy of courage, empowerment, and national pride continues to influence Nepali society and the global mountaineering community.