23 Jul 2023 2 min to read
Dawa Yangzum scales 12 peaks above 8000 m which is a remarkable achievement for the first Asian woman IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide. She hails from the Rolwaling Valley in the Dolakha district. She successfully conquered Nanga Parbat, G1, and G2, the three major mountains in Pakistan. This feat has secured her place as the first Nepali woman to conquer the majority of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa made history by ascending G1 (8080m), G2 (8035m), and Nanga Parbat (8126m) within a short span of just 16 days. She is on an ambitious mission to conquer all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. As a result, she conquered the world’s 9th, 11th, and 13th-highest mountains in Pakistan. On July 5, 17, and 21, she climbed Nanga Parbat, G2, and G1 respectively. With these triumphant summits, she achieved a total of 12 peaks conquered, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination as a seasoned climber.
Dawa has previously successfully summited Mt. Kanchenjunga, K2, Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Manaslu, and Broad Peak. She is the youngest K2 climber and also holds the record for climbing Annapurna I without supplementary Oxygen. She was also part of the pioneering Women for Change Expedition in 2014, where she was one of the three Nepali women to summit Mt. K2. Furthermore, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa’s ascent of Mt. Langdung stands as another extraordinary milestone in her illustrious mountaineering career.
Dawa Yangzum’s exceptional accomplishments have garnered her widespread recognition and prestigious accolades, including the valued Kumar Khadga Bikram Sahasik Puruskar and Tenzing Hillary Awards. Notably, her journey to conquer the 8,000-meter peaks commenced with her ascent of Mt Everest in 2012, setting the foundation for her extraordinary mountaineering career.
In addition to her remarkable climbing achievements, Dawa Yangzum has made significant contributions to scientific research. Her expertise and leadership have led her to lead the National Geographic scientific research team on multiple expeditions to Mt. Everest in the years 2019, 2022, and 2023.
Dawa Yangzum Sherpa is a true inspiration to aspiring mountaineers, particularly young girls, whom she actively mentors and supports with climbing gear and training. Dawa is the second vice president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association and holds a prominent role in the mountaineering community. Her strong determination drives her towards conquering the remaining peaks, Cho-Oyu (8188 m) and Shishapangma (8027 m), completing her conquest of all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.
Picture Courtesy: The Himalayan Times
