The Spring 2025 mountaineering season has reached a triumphant conclusion on the majestic slopes of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, standing at 8,586 meters above sea level. In a proud announcement, it has been confirmed that the final remaining international expedition team successfully reached the summit early this morning, bringing this season’s expeditions on Kanchenjunga to a glorious close.
This final ascent represents not just the end of a season but a testament to international collaboration, determination, and the spirit of adventure that defines high-altitude mountaineering. The team comprised climbers from multiple nations, each bringing their unique experiences and aspirations to this shared journey.
Among the successful summiters is Afsaneh Hesami Fard from Iran, who has now impressively completed thirteen of the world’s fourteen 8000-meter peaks. Her climb on Kanchenjunga is a significant milestone in her ongoing quest to conquer all 8000-meter giants, placing her among the elite few female climbers making history in high-altitude mountaineering.
Representing Australia, Alessandra Kate Pepper added this formidable Himalayan giant to her mountaineering achievements, further strengthening Australia’s presence in the global climbing community. From Lebanon, Nelly Attar, a pioneer in Arab women’s mountaineering, stood proudly on the summit, marking another notable achievement in her growing legacy of empowering women in adventure sports.
China’s Tao Hu also successfully reached the summit, exemplifying the country’s rising participation and investment in international Himalayan expeditions. Alongside the international climbers were a group of highly skilled Nepali climbers and guides, whose contribution remains indispensable in every successful Himalayan expedition.
Kanchenjunga Expedition
Among the Nepali climbers, Mingtemba Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, Tarman Tamang, Dawa Sherpa, and Dawa Chhiring Sherpa played vital roles not only as climbers but as pillars of support, safety, and technical guidance throughout the expedition. Notably, Gyalu Sherpa achieved his third ascent of Kanchenjunga this season alone, showcasing remarkable endurance and expertise on the challenging terrain of this mountain.
The success of this expedition is credited significantly to the exceptional field leadership of Lakpa Sherpa, widely known as Makalu Lakpa. With his years of experience and calm, strategic command in the high mountains, Lakpa ensured that the team executed a safe and well-coordinated summit push under ever-changing mountain conditions. His reputation as one of Nepal’s most reliable expedition leaders has only been further cemented by this latest accomplishment.
Kanchenjunga, located on the border of Nepal and India, is renowned for its technical difficulty, remoteness, and harsh weather. Unlike more commercialized peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga remains a quieter, more challenging objective for serious mountaineers. The summit success, therefore, is not just about reaching the top but also about enduring and navigating one of the most formidable landscapes on Earth.
The team now begins its descent back to Base Camp, where celebrations and reflections await. Organizers and supporters have extended heartfelt congratulations to the climbers and deepest gratitude to all the Kanchenjunga crew members who worked tirelessly in the background, managing logistics, fixing ropes, setting up camps, and ensuring the well-being of the climbers in extreme conditions.
With the conclusion of this expedition, the Kanchenjunga season for Spring 2025 is officially wrapped up. The successful summit adds a significant highlight to this year’s mountaineering calendar in Nepal, reinforcing the country’s standing as a premier destination for adventure tourism and high-altitude expeditions.
As the climbers prepare to return to Kathmandu, they carry with them the pride of their nations, the joy of achievement, and stories of courage that will inspire many in the mountaineering world. Nepal eagerly awaits to welcome these summiters back with warmth and admiration, as another chapter of Himalayan history has been written on the slopes of Kanchenjunga.
