Kathmandu, Nepal – Purnima Shrestha, a 32-year-old mountaineer from Gorkha, Nepal, has made history as the first woman to climb Mount Everest three times in the same season, all in just 14 days.
According to expedition organizers, Eight K Expeditions, Shrestha summited the world’s highest peak on May 12th, 19th, and 26th. Her exceptional triple ascent beats the previous record for the most Everest climbs achieved by a woman in a single season.
Shrestha’s first ascent on May 12th matched the third-fastest summit of Everest by any climber after Nepali record holders Lhakpa Sherpa and Babu Chhiri Sherpa. Her subsequent summits on May 19th and 26th shattered all previous records.
“This is the first time in mountaineering history that any climber has submitted Everest three times in a single season,” said Nima Doma Sherpa, an Everest summiter.
Shrestha, born in the small village of Gorkha Municipality, began mountaineering in 2012, when she was 25 years old. She has now climbed Everest four times, with prior summit in 2018. Her record represents empowerment for female climbers and women in Nepal.
In 2017, Shrestha visited the Everest Base Camp to cover the Everest Marathon; she recalls this event as the moment she became attracted to the mountains.
Purnima Shrestha’s story is one of determination, bravery, and a profound love of the mountains. Her record-breaking achievement inspires aspiring climbers all across the world, particularly young women.
