Lhakpa Sherpa is a name synonymous with courage and determination. In the icy heights of Mount Everest, she's carved her own path, becoming the first Nepali woman to summit the world's tallest peak and survive. Now, with her 10th summit under her belt, she's not only a seasoned climber, but a symbol of resilience, overcoming hardship both on and off the mountain.
Born into a rural Nepalese family, Lhakpa's early life was defined by limitations placed on her as a woman. She was denied a formal education and faced a life of hardship. However, nature offered her a sanctuary, a place where she found solace and strength. At 28, she immigrated to the US, facing a new set of challenges including intimate partner violence. Yet, she persevered, raising her children in Connecticut while working at Whole Foods, her love for the outdoors never fading.
The allure of the mountains continued to call, and in 2000, Lhakpa conquered Everest for the first time, marking a turning point in her life. Eight more summits followed, her passion and determination evident in every ascent. Her journey is captured in the new documentary, "Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa", which delves into her remarkable life and her 10th summit, achieved in 2022.
In an interview with Tudum, Lhakpa, now 51, discusses her incredible journey. She reflects on the arduous climb, noting the physical and mental toll it takes, especially in the "death zone" above 26,000 feet. She also acknowledges the personal struggles she's overcome, stating, "I have never been in school... Itâs a difficult life, but I learned not to give up... We feel hurt in our hearts, and nature can build us back. Nature builds me back into a strong woman."
The documentary, directed by Lucy Walker, provides a glimpse into Lhakpa's unique relationship with Everest. She views the mountain not as an adversary but as a friend, a teacher even. "We respect the mountain like we respect the people," she explains. "Everest is my childhood friend, my best friend." This respect informs her climbing style, marked by patience and a willingness to yield to the mountain's power. "Itâs like a teacher, and you respect the teacher," she says.
The film also features Lhakpa's daughters, Sunny and Shiny, who share their own experiences and the impact their mother's journey has had on their lives. Shiny, who accompanied her mother during the 10th summit, describes the emotional rollercoaster of seeing her mother return from the ice fall, her face bearing the marks of a grueling climb. "It was so emotional," Shiny recalls. "I was so happy that she did it."
The film culminates in a powerful message of resilience, hope, and the importance of supporting one another. Lhakpa's daughters are inspired by their mother's strength and her unwavering belief in chasing dreams. "Sheâs always motivating me to keep following my dreams," says Sunny. Shiny echoes this sentiment, praising her mother's positive energy and her ability to find strength even in the face of adversity.
"Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa" is not just a story of climbing, but a testament to the power of the human spirit, a story that resonates with anyone who has faced challenges and emerged stronger. It's a story of courage, determination, and the enduring power of human connection, told through the lens of one extraordinary woman's journey to the top of the world.
