Veteran Nepali mountaineer Lhakpa Sherpa, the record-holder for the most Mount Everest summits by a woman, has successfully reached the summit of Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) for the 11th time on Sunday morning, further extending her unmatched legacy in high-altitude climbing.
According to expedition officials from Seven Summit Adventure, the 48-year-old climber reached the world’s highest peak at around 9:30 am on 17 May 2026 after launching her final push from Camp IV early in the morning. She is now safely descending toward lower camps following the successful ascent. The achievement makes her the first and only woman in history to summit Mount Everest 11 times, reinforcing her position as one of the most accomplished female climbers in the world.
Journey from Makalu to the Top of the World
Born in the Makalu region of Sankhuwasabha, Lhakpa Sherpa first summited Everest in 2000 without formal mountaineering training, marking the beginning of a remarkable and inspiring career. Over the years, she has climbed Everest 11 times, three ascents from the Nepal side and eight from the Tibetan side, an unmatched record among female climbers globally.
Expedition officials confirmed that her latest climb was part of a Seven Summit Adventure expedition, where she also assisted in guiding and supporting climbers during the season. Managing Director of Seven Summit Adventure, Mingma Gelu Sherpa, stated that Lhakpa successfully stood on the summit at 9:30 am and has already begun her safe descent. “She is safely coming down,” he confirmed from Everest Base Camp.
A Life of Extraordinary Resilience
Beyond her mountaineering achievements, Lhakpa Sherpa’s journey is widely regarded as a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. She has repeatedly stated that she climbs to empower women and inspire younger generations, proving that Nepali women can achieve anything with courage and hard work.
Her record is even more remarkable considering the challenges she has faced off the mountain. Lhakpa currently lives in Connecticut, USA, where she works in everyday jobs while continuing her mountaineering career. Despite these circumstances, she has consistently returned to the Himalayas to pursue her passion for climbing. She previously made history by climbing Everest while pregnant and shortly after childbirth, further highlighting her extraordinary determination and physical endurance.
Global Inspiration in Mountaineering
In addition to her Everest record, Lhakpa Sherpa also summited K2, the world’s second-highest peak, in 2023, further strengthening her reputation as one of the most experienced high-altitude female climbers in the world.
Her achievements continue to inspire climbers, especially women, across the globe, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and breaking barriers in one of the world’s most demanding sports. As she safely descends from her 11th Everest summit, the mountaineering community has once again celebrated her as a living legend whose legacy continues to redefine possibilities in Himalayan climbing.
