KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 5

Rolex, one of the most wellknown Swiss watch brands in the world, has chosen a Nepali woman mountaineer as its brand ambassador for three years.

Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, 29, has become the first Nepali and the youngest ambassador for Rolex, according to the watchmaker company. 'I have signed a contract with Rolex Swiss to work as its brand ambassador for three years beginning January,' Sherpa told THT.

After reaching a professional agreement with Rolex, Sherpa, the country's first female international mountain guide, will get salary, watches, and necessary funding from Rolex for her climbing projects.

'Being part of a group of the most celebrated individuals in modern history, I will continue my passion for climbing with the support from Rolex,' she added.

From Tiger Woods to Roger Federer, Rolex has already adorned wrists of some of the most renowned global personalities as its ambassadors, such as Malcolm Campbell, Paul Newman, Reinhold Messner, Jackie Stewert, Michael Bublé, and Brooks Koepka.

Born in Dolakha's Rolwaling valley, Sherpa had also become the brand ambassador of The North Face in 2019. 'This time, I am proud of the opportunity to join the Rolex family,' Sherpa said, thanking American Himalayan Foundation Vice-president Norbu Tenzing, son of legendary climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, for his guidance and support.

The Nepal National Mountain Guides Association said Rolex chose Sherpa as its brand ambassador because she was the first Asian woman mountain guide, was the first Nepali woman to climb most 8,000m peaks, and has been mentoring girls keen on mountaineering by providing climbing gear and training.

'I have also been supporting girls who were trafficked and am helping them to join outdoor adventure sports,' Sherpa said.

Sherpa is the first IFMGA Certified Female Guide in South Asia and the only one of the two female guides with IFMGA certification in Asia. She is also an excellent skier, with skiing experience in Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Alps in France. She also works as a professional guide in Nepal, the US, and South America.

Sherpa has climbed four peaks above 8,000m in a single season, including Mt Annapurna I, without using supplementary oxygen. Her successful climbs also include K2 and Everest.

She has also been featured in The National Geographic, Rock and Ice, Outside, and publications in Europe and Asia.

I'll continue my passion for climbing with the support from Rolex - Dawa Yangzum Sherpa

A version of this article appears in the print on December 6, 2021 of The Himalayan Times.