Nepal's Phunjo Lama Breaks Record For Fastest Ascent Of Everest
Nepal's Phunjo Lama achieved a monumental feat on Thursday by setting a new record for the fastest ascent of Everest by a woman. Completing the climb in just 14 hours and 31 minutes, Lama has significantly surpassed the previous record, demonstrating an extraordinary display of stamina, skill, and determination on the world's highest mountain. The climb, which typically spans several days involving arduous treks and acclimatization periods across Everest's various camps, was concluded in less than a day from the base camp.
Lama, in her thirties, embarked on her record-setting journey from the base camp at 15:52 on May 22 and reached the summit by 6:23 am on May 23. This achievement not only shaves more than 11 hours off the previous best time set in 2021 but also marks Lama's reclamation of her world record. Khim Lal Gautam, chief of the tourism department's field office at the base camp, confirmed the timings to AFP, highlighting the climber's incredible feat.
In a Facebook post made earlier this month while still at base camp, Lama expressed complete confidence in her ability to reach the top of what she reverently refers to as "the Mother Goddess". Her journey to this point has been marked by significant achievements, including setting the fastest ascent by a woman back in 2018 with a time of 39 hours and six minutes, a record later broken by Ada Tsang Yin-hung from Hong Kong in 2021.
Lama is not just a record-setting mountaineer but also serves as a guide and helicopter long-line rescuer. This role involves executing high-risk rescues of injured climbers, often requiring her to be airlifted into challenging terrains. Her climbing repertoire includes some of the highest peaks in the world, such as Manaslu and Cho Oyu, showcasing her extensive experience and skill in mountaineering.
Fellow woman mountaineer Maya Sherpa praised Lama for her courage, determination, and rigorous training, noting her achievement as an inspiration for other Nepali female climbers. However, Lama's successful ascent comes amidst a challenging season on Everest, marked by the confirmation of a Kenyan climber's death and ongoing searches for three missing climbers, showcasing the perilous nature of high-altitude mountaineering.
This year, Nepal has issued over 900 permits for its mountains, including 419 for Everest alone, generating more than $5 million in royalties. The climbing season has already seen over 500 climbers and their guides reach Everest's summit following the completion of rope-fixing last month. Furthermore, China has reopened the Tibetan route to foreigners, welcoming adventurers back after a hiatus since 2020 due to the pandemic.
Nepal, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, attracts hundreds of climbers each spring, drawn by the favorable climbing conditions. Lama's record-setting achievement adds to the allure of Everest, highlighting the extraordinary feats of endurance and skill that climbers continue to accomplish on this majestic mountain.
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