At 33, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa from a remote village in Dolakha has achieved what no other Nepali woman has before—she has successfully climbed all 14 of the world’s peaks towering over 8,000 metres. Her latest triumph, the summit of Tibet’s Shishapangma, marks the completion of her extraordinary journey and solidifies her place in mountaineering history.
Born and raised in Na village, nestled at 4,200 metres in the Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, Dawa’s path to becoming Nepal’s first woman to conquer all of these peaks was far from conventional. She grew up surrounded by mountains, but as a young girl, mountaineering seemed a distant dream. “I first set off on a trek without telling my family when I was 12,” Dawa recalls. “I walked across the Tashi Lapcha Pass between Dolakha and Khumbu. That’s when I fell in love with the mountains.”
Her love for the Himalayas only grew stronger, leading her to pursue a career in mountaineering. Over the years, Dawa has achieved remarkable feats, climbing Everest four times and securing more than a dozen mountaineering records. However, her journey to the top of the world’s highest peaks wasn’t just about setting records. She became the first female Asian mountain guide certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides (IFMGA), a prestigious recognition that opened doors for her globally.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Dawa admits. “There were countless challenges along the way—physical, mental, and financial. But the mountains teach you resilience, and that’s what kept me going.” Indeed, resilience has been a hallmark of her journey. While many climbers would consider scaling one of these peaks a lifetime achievement, Dawa set her sights on all 14 of the world's highest mountains. Her dream came true when she reached the summit of Shishapangma on Wednesday at 5:30 am, Nepal time.
“It’s surreal to think that I’ve completed this mission,” says Dawa. “But it’s more than just personal achievement. For me, it’s about inspiring other women and shining a light on important issues like climate change.”
Dawa is involved in advocating for women in the mountaineering field, which is predominantly male-dominated, and in raising awareness about the impact of climate change on Nepal’s fragile ecosystems. Through her affiliations with renowned global brands like The North Face and Rolex, Dawa has used her platform to amplify these causes. “The sponsorship and support I’ve received from brands like Rolex aren’t just for personal gain,” she shares. “I’ve always used the financial assistance to give back, whether through training programmes for underprivileged women or supporting local environmental initiatives.”
Despite her global recognition and opportunities, Dawa remains firmly rooted in her Nepali heritage. “Nepal is my home, and it’s where my heart is,” she says. She divides her time between Nepal and the United States, where she works as a professional guide, but she has always aimed to contribute to the mountaineering community in her homeland.
What sets Dawa apart, aside from her sheer determination and skill, is her humility and her commitment to uplifting others. “I didn’t get to finish my formal education, but I made sure to learn English and French later on,” she reflects. “It’s important for me to stay connected to the global community, not just for my work but to promote Nepal’s mountaineering culture and the challenges we face.”
While many would consider Dawa’s accomplishments enough for a lifetime, she isn’t slowing down. “Marriage and settling down aren’t on my agenda just yet,” she laughs. “There’s still so much to do in this field.” Her next step? Continuing her work as a guide, mentor, and advocate, encouraging more women to follow in her footsteps.
Dawa’s story is not just one of personal success but one that embodies the spirit of resilience, courage, and passion. As the first Nepali woman to conquer all 14 of the world’s highest peaks, she has paved the way for future generations of climbers, proving that the sky is, indeed, the limit.
The only other woman to achieve this feat was Spain’s Edurne Pasaban, who became the first woman in the world to climb all 14 peaks 14 years ago in 2010. Dawa has now joined that elite club, making not just her country, but women around the world, proud.
