Two Nepali women atop Mt Everest as summit push continues

KATHMANDU: The only female high-altitude worker Maya Sherpa has successfully climbed the world’s highest peak becoming the first Nepali woman to climb Mt Everest from Nepal side this spring season, while Lhakpa Sherpa, an avid female climber, has also set a world record by summitting the mountain seven times from the north side on Friday.

Shiva Bahadur Sapkota, a liaison officer, said that 36-year-old Maya, who is also the president of Everest Summiteers’ Association, stood atop the Mt Everest at around 7:00 am along with a team of climbers managed by Seven Summit Treks. Maya also holds the record of the first  Nepali woman to climb Everest from both the sides.

Born in Okhaldhunga district, Maya had also summitted Mt K2, the second highest mountain in the world in 2014.

Maya was the only female Nepali mountain guide who obtained permit from the Department of Tourism to attempt to climb the Mt Everest this season, Sapkota added.

According to Shrestha, at least 42 mountaineers, including 21 foreigners, have their plans to attempt to climb Mt Everest for Saturday.

DoT issued permits to 289 mountaineers of 34 teams to climb Mt Everest along with their over 400 high altitude workers this season.

Meanwhile, multiple summits have been reported from the north side (Tibet side) as a fair window allowed climbers make a final summit push today.