Born in Surke, Solukhumbu District
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
Deceasedपासाङ ल्हामु शेर्पा
First Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest
About
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa grew up in Solukhumbu. She worked as a trekking guide. She then set her sights on becoming the first Nepali woman to reach the top of Mount Everest. She pursued this goal despite resistance and two unsuccessful attempts, in 1991 and 1992.
On 22 April 1993, she and her husband organised the Nepalese Women’s Sagarmatha Expedition. She reached the summit that day. But she died from exhaustion during the descent, after a sudden storm hit.
Her achievement and sacrifice made her a national icon in Nepal. A mountain peak, a highway, and a mountaineering academy have since been named in her honour.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1961-12-10
- Birthplace
- Surke, Solukhumbu District, Nepal
- Profession
- Mountaineer, Trekking guide
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Deceased
- Died
- 1993-04-22
Career & life timeline
- 1961
- 1991
Made her first unsuccessful attempt to summit Everest
- 1992
Reached the South Summit on a second attempt but turned back due to strong winds
- 1993-04-22
Became the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest, leading the Nepalese Women's Sagarmatha Expedition
- 1993-04-22
Died from exhaustion during the descent after a sudden storm
Achievements
First Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest
1993Reached the summit via the South Col and Southeast Ridge route on 22 April 1993
Awards & honours
Nepal Tara (posthumous)
Last updated: 2026-09-06