KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 24
American couple Scott Lehmann and Shayna Unger successfully scaled the world's eighth highest mountain this morning becoming the first deaf couple to complete four peaks above 8,000m.
According to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks, Scott and Shayna, both born profoundly deaf, scaled the world's eighth highest mountain at 6:12am.
"Scott & Shayna along with guides Mingma Dorchi and Mingma Tenji (twin brothers) stood on the top of Manaslu true summit," Sherpa told THT.
With their successful summit on Manaslu, they have completed four 8000ers so far with Seven Summit Treks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and now Manaslu. "The twin brothers, Mingma Dorchi and Mingma Tenji, have been supporting them on climbing since their first 8000er," he shared.
"Both profoundly deaf, Scott and Shayna have explored the world of outdoor adventure with amazing strength. They learned mostly by watching videos on YouTube and writing things down, demonstrating how they can overcome the challenges of being deaf. Their strong desire to help more deaf people enjoy the outdoors is a testament to their love for nature and their belief that everyone should be included," SST shared after their Manaslu summit.
With an aim of amplifying global awareness about the deaf and hard of hearing community, Scott and Shayna also become the first American deaf couple to scale the mountain, Sherpa added. "We are committed to create spaces where outdoor spaces are truly accessible and welcoming to all so everyone can connect and explore the wonders of nature," the couple earlier shared with THT. The couple had also climbed some of the world's highest mountains, like Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Denali, Mont Blanc and Matterhorn.
