Christopher Newman/Courtesy of Netflix
- Lhakpa Sherpa holds the female record for summiting Mount Everest ten times.
- A newly released documentary on Netflix uncovers her struggles with domestic abuse amidst her climbing aspirations.
- Currently employed as a house cleaner, she dreams of transitioning into a full-time mountain guide in the United States.
On July 30, Lhakpa Sherpa experienced a mix of joy and anxiety. As the single mother of three prepared for the public release of her life story captured on film, it was set to unveil both moments of glory and pain.
The 50-year-old climber is at the heart of “Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa,” directed by Lucy Walker and available on Netflix starting July 31. The documentary chronicles her remarkable achievement—reaching the summit of Mount Everest ten times.
While she exclaims that she’s not particularly humble, during a video conversation with Business Insider, Lhakpa expressed uncertainty about being labeled as “queen,” which mirrors sentiments often associated with success but might not fully encompass who she is.
Courtesy of Netflix
The Journey: Balancing Motherhood and Climbing Dreams
Lakha now resides in West Hartford, Connecticut with two daughters. After moving to America at age 28, she’s managed dual roles in both professional climbing and motherhood while frequently returning to Nepal for expeditions alongside family members.
Despite enjoying reduced rates for Everest permits as a Nepali citizen—paying significantly less than foreign climbers—it proved insufficient financially. Although Sylvie believes that mountain guides are compensated fairly within their industry, it had never been enough income alone for survival; hence she took additional jobs like retail work at Whole Foods Market.
As revealed through this documentary narrative, these efforts coincided with an abusive relationship characterized by hardships inflicted by her former spouse.
Overcoming Obstacles: Ten Summits Against All Odds
Sherpas commonly hail from villages steeped in tradition where women’s aspirations beyond homemaking are rare—especially concerning extreme sports like mountaineering during Lakha’s formative years throughout the ’70s. Her entry point into treating mountains as more than mere hearsay began intriguingly; recounting how she donned male attire led others astray regarding her true identity just so she’d gain experience carrying loads as partway workers before evolving toward guiding opportunities later down paths less traveled!
Courtesy Of Netflix
Evading Turmoil On Both Sides Of The Mountain:
The Himalayan Database notes upwards towards 330 casualties have occurred since records began documenting tragedies stemming from treks across Mount Everest—but neither these precarious facts daunted Lehkala’s resolve nor redirected ambitions toward summiting majestic terrains! “This isn’t just another climb,” Lakha asserts; consulting friends acknowledges familiarity akin measuring friendships against countless summitings embarked upon over time colored fondly throughout bittersweet seasons!
Rediscovering Meaning Amidst Altitude And Adversities Faced Together …in Various Forms … While Also Anchored Near… Kids
After successfully securing context surrounding map rallies filled dream goals along formidable terrain scaling epochs culminated near yet another notable presence—the document confirmed results hunched closer declaring lifelike experiences encountered shaped current view beyond completing staggering encounters limited only eternity between ambitious climbs followed closely thriving!
Back marched near prospective heights fellow women could seemingly garner yet unwavering waiting zeal behind forwarding pedal shifting innovations swiftly reaching upper mountains leading gradually encouraged functions remaining educational targets persistent future coaching young lives diverted fueling direction amidst new heights explored.
As changes unfurled evolving narratives pursued fond sequences implying trademark legends beneath legendary status belonging proudly surrounded.`
