“Lhakpa Sherpa, the record-breaking climber, reveals the harrowing journey behind her ten Everest summits in the documentary Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa”
Lhakpa Sherpa’s story is one of unparalleled resilience, marked by her extraordinary achievements as well as the personal battles she has endured. At 51, Lhakpa, a Sherpa from eastern Nepal, holds the record as the woman who has summited Mount Everest more times than any other. Her journey, chronicled in the documentary Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, directed by Oscar nominee Lucy Walker, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a woman who has faced immense challenges, both on and off the mountain.
Before she became a mountaineering legend, Lhakpa worked as a porter and guide, carrying heavy loads for other climbers in the high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas. In 2022, she achieved her tenth Everest summit, a milestone that cemented her place in history. Yet, for Lhakpa, this feat was more than just a personal victory; it was a step toward a better future for her family. Her dreams extend beyond the mountain—she hopes to establish her own mountaineering company and secure sponsorships for future expeditions, all while working as a dishwasher in Connecticut, USA.
The documentary delves deep into Lhakpa’s life, from her humble beginnings in a remote Nepalese village where she was denied an education, to her struggles in America, where she faced language barriers and a lack of resources. Despite these obstacles, Lhakpa’s determination never wavered. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, director Lucy Walker takes an objective approach, allowing Lhakpa to share her story through candid interviews. This method gives the audience a nuanced view of Lhakpa’s strength and vulnerability, portraying her as both the fierce “Queen of Everest” and a woman who has endured profound pain.
Lhakpa’s life has been marked by tragedy, including a tumultuous marriage to climber George Dijmărescu. After their marriage in 2002, Lhakpa quickly discovered George’s violent tendencies. In one chilling account, journalist Michael Kodas of the Hartford Courant recalls photographing Lhakpa lying unconscious, her face swollen after being assaulted by George during a treacherous climb. Lhakpa, however, was too ashamed to publicize the abuse and begged for the photos to be destroyed.
Financial struggles forced Lhakpa to remain with George until 2015, when she finally escaped to a domestic violence shelter and filed for divorce. From that point on, Lhakpa raised her children alone and returned to the mountains that had always been her sanctuary. “Everest is my doctor,” she says, referring to the healing power that climbing has had on her spirit.
Mountain Queen weaves together two parallel narratives: the technical challenges of high-altitude climbing and Lhakpa’s psychological journey of survival and empowerment. The film captures Lhakpa’s ascent to the top of Everest, juxtaposed with scenes of her in traditional Nepalese attire, honoring her cultural roots. In one poignant moment, Lhakpa declares, “Look at me, I am uneducated. If I can do this, anyone can achieve whatever they want. Nature can change you, make you better.”
The documentary also features archival footage of Lhakpa’s past expeditions, including her record-breaking climbs. These scenes highlight the dangers of Everest, such as crossing crevasses on narrow ladders amidst fierce winds and snow. The storytelling prowess of Mountain Queen has been widely praised, with Decider calling Lhakpa’s story “one that deserves to be known and will move you to tears,” and Boston Globe commending Walker’s portrayal of “the indomitable spirit of women.”
While the breathtaking footage of Lhakpa on Everest is captivating, it is her modest yet powerful presence that truly resonates. Variety points out that Walker’s creative vision was essential in intertwining the two facets of Lhakpa’s life—the technical and the personal—into a cohesive narrative that honors the complexity of her journey.
Mountain Queen is more than a film about mountaineering; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the will to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Lhakpa Sherpa’s story is one of survival, hope, and triumph, making her a true queen of the mountains.
