Nepal's Phunjo Lama set a new record for the fastest ascent of Everest by a woman, reaching the summit in 14 hours and 31 minutes, significantly reducing the previous best time of 2021. Typically, climbers take several days to complete this feat, but Lama, in her thirties, accomplished it in record time. She began the ascent from the base camp on May 22 at 15:52, reaching the summit at 6:23 on May 23, as confirmed by Khim Lal Gautam, the chief of the tourism's department field office at the base camp.
Prior to this remarkable achievement, Lama had also held the record for the fastest ascent by a woman in 2018, completing the climb in 39 hours and six minutes. However, this record was surpassed in 2021. Lama's determination and resolve were evident as she expressed her certainty of reaching the summit on social media while still at the base camp.
In addition to her mountaineering prowess, Lama is a guide and helicopter long-line rescuer, undertaking daring missions to extract injured climbers from treacherous terrains. She has conquered several of the highest peaks, including Manaslu and Cho Oyu, in the Himalayas, consistently demonstrating courage and dedication.
Lama's groundbreaking achievement serves as an inspiration for fellow Nepali female climbers, with her extraordinary feat coinciding with the unfortunate news of fatalities and missing climbers on Everest. Nepal's issuance of over 900 permits for mountain expeditions this year, including more than 400 for Everest, attests to the enduring allure of its peaks, despite the inherent risks and challenges. With the reopening of the Tibetan route by China, adventure enthusiasts have more opportunities to embark on these awe-inspiring journeys.
Nepal, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, warmly receives hundreds of adventurers each spring, beckoning them with favorable weather conditions. Although last year saw over 600 successful summits of Everest, it was also marred by tragedy, marking it as the deadliest season on record with 18 fatalities.
