Chhonzin Angmo: First Visually Impaired Woman to Summit Mount Everest

Historic Achievement by Chhonzin Angmo

Kinnaur: In a remarkable feat, Chhonzin Angmo, a 29-year-old from the remote Chango village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, has made history by becoming the first visually impaired woman in the world to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Angmo successfully reached the peak, standing at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), at around 8:34 AM on Sunday, May 19, as part of the Pioneer Everest Expedition. The expedition was led by Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, the Chairman of Pioneer Adventure, with guidance from seasoned climbers Dandu Sherpa and Om Gurung.

Overcoming Adversity

Angmo's journey is a testament to her incredible bravery and resilience. She lost her sight at the age of eight due to a severe reaction to medication. However, she refused to let this challenge deter her aspirations. As a certified basic mountaineer, Angmo had previously conquered several peaks in Ladakh and successfully climbed Lobuche East (6,119 meters) earlier this season in preparation for Everest.

On the day of her summit, 135 climbers reached the top, with Indian climbers making up the largest group this season, having secured 87 of the 468 permits issued by Nepal’s Department of Tourism.

Recognition from Himachal CM

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised Angmo for her groundbreaking achievement, referring to her as a symbol of unwavering determination and hope.

“Chhonzin Angmo has brought great pride to Himachal Pradesh and the nation by becoming the first blind woman to summit Mount Everest. Her extraordinary courage and steadfast resolve exemplify the human spirit. Her journey will inspire future generations to pursue their goals, no matter the challenges,” Sukhu stated in an official announcement.

A Source of Inspiration for Many

Originating from the challenging landscapes of Kinnaur, Angmo’s accomplishment reflects the resilient nature of the hill communities in Himachal Pradesh. Her story goes beyond mountaineering records; it is a powerful narrative of determination, passion, and the belief that limitations are only as significant as one perceives them to be.

Her success marks not just a personal achievement but also a vital message about inclusivity and the untapped potential within the differently-abled community. It emphasizes that disability does not equate to inability, and with courage and support, every summit—literal or metaphorical—can be achieved.

As Angmo raises the tricolor on the highest point on Earth, her story serves as a rallying cry for the nation to embrace determination, challenge stereotypes, and strive for excellence against all odds.