In 1989, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa became the first person in 29 years to reach the peak of Mount Everest. On April 22, 1993, she made history by climbing Mount Everest in the name of all Nepali women.
The first woman to reach the top of Mount Everest was Junko Tabei of Japan in 1975. At the time, though, no Nepalese woman had ever done it. Regarding this matter, Pasang Lhamu lacked the courage to climb Mount Everest.
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| Born | 10 December 1961 Lukla, Solukhumbu district Nepal |
| Died | 22 April 1993 (aged 32) Mount Everest, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Father | Phurba Kitar Sherpa |
| Mother | Angdaki Sherpa |
| Husband | Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa |
| Son | Namgyal Sherpa |
| Daughter | Dawa Futi Sherpa and Diki Sherpa |
| Profession | Mountaineer |
On December 16, 1961, Pasang Lhamu was born in the Solukhumbu district. She began her mountaineering journeys with her father, the late Phurvakitar Sherpa, when she was a little girl. She developed a deeper affinity for mountains after becoming the proprietor of a trekking firm. Along the way, she climbed mountains both domestically and overseas, including Cho Oyu, Yala Peak, Pisang, and Mount Blanc.
Her ambition to climb mountains remained unabated even after she became a mother of three. Climbing Mount Everest was thus her objective. Her determination was constant, even though all three of her efforts were unsuccessful.
For Nepalese women, April 22, 1993, is a significant date in history. After four failed attempts, Pasang Lhamu finally reached the peak of Mount Everest. Sonam Chhiring Sherpa, one of her team members, became very sick on the way back. Leaving her teammate behind would have been completely unethical on Pasang Lhamu’s part. Choosing to live with Sonam Chhiring, she sent their other friends to procure oxygen cylinders.
But when the weather unexpectedly became extremely serious, her other teammates couldn’t help Pasang Lhamu and Sonam Chhiring. So ended the life of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first woman from Nepal to climb to the peak of Mount Everest. Her body parts were extracted and transported to Kathmandu as the weather cleared up. There were thousands of people that came to attend her funeral procession.
The Nepalese government has awarded the title of “National Hero” to the late Pasang Lhamu Sherpa. Pasang Lhamu Mountain is the official name of the 7,315-meter-tall Jasamba Mountain. The route connecting Trishuli and Dhunche, which is 117 kilometres long, is now known as the Pasanglhamu Highway. Postal stamps have been published in her name. Additionally, in her honour, an assembly hall in Jhapa has been constructed.
Currently, Pasang Lhamu’s biography can be studied in the school’s syllabus. The women of Nepal find strength and wisdom in Pasang Lhamu. Although Pasang Lhamu has been physically absent from this planet for 29 years, the lessons she taught and her example live on.
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