Q&A: Social media has made Everest ascent look easy, but it isn’t

At 53, Lhakpa Sherpa has once again etched her name in mountaineering history, extending her own record as the world's most successful female Everest summiteer with her eleventh ascent of the world's highest peak. This remarkable achievement, however, is underscored by a life story marked by profound survival, relentless immigrant labor, and an indomitable spirit.

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People do not always see the years of physical labour and the emotional pain behind my achievements. I have worked so hard to survive, and I have endured mockery from people.

Sherpa's journey has been far from the celebrated image of a 'Mountain Queen.' In an interview, she revealed the years of physical toil and emotional pain behind her accomplishments. Upon moving to the United States, she faced mockery for her background, with people dismissing her achievements while she worked menial jobs like washing dishes. She emphasized that her true skill lies in mountaineering, a path she pursued out of necessity to support her children as a single mother in a foreign country.

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My true skill is the mountain. I had to raise my children entirely by myself in a foreign country. I couldn’t just beg people for food or money; I had to earn it through hard labour.

The challenges she faced were not confined to the treacherous slopes of Everest. Back in the US, Sherpa juggled demanding work with childcare, fearing her children would be taken away by social services if left unattended. Her personal life was further complicated by a difficult marriage, a painful divorce, and the subsequent death of her ex-husband. These domestic struggles, she confessed, often felt more arduous than climbing Everest itself.

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Many people lose their minds or give up on life during a divorce. Then, my ex-husband passed away, which added more emotional weight.

Sherpa's story gained global recognition through a Netflix documentary, inspiring millions. She finds deep satisfaction in hearing from women who, after learning about her struggles and triumphs, feel empowered to face their own challenges. This impact, she says, gives her suffering a profound purpose, transforming her personal hardships into a source of courage and hope for others.

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When they see my struggles and find the courage to face their own lives, it makes me happy. It shows that my suffering had a purpose.