Kinnaur: In a historic and inspiring achievement, Chhonzin Angmo, a 29-year-old woman from the remote Chango village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, has etched her name into the record books by becoming the world’s first visually impaired woman to summit Mount Everest.
Scaling the highest peak in the world, Angmo reached the 8,848.86-meter (29,031.7-feet) summit of Mount Everest at approximately 8:34 AM on Sunday, May 19, as part of the Pioneer Everest Expedition. Her expedition was led by Mingma Dorchi Sherpa, Chairman of Pioneer Adventure, and she was guided by experienced climbers Dandu Sherpa and Om Gurung.
Lost Sight, Not Vision
Angmo’s journey is one of extraordinary courage and resilience. She lost her eyesight at the age of eight due to a severe reaction to medication. Despite this life-altering challenge, she never let her physical limitations hinder her dreams. A certified basic mountaineer, Angmo had previously scaled several peaks in Ladakh and had successfully climbed Lobuche East (6,119 meters) earlier this season as part of her preparation for Everest.
Her Everest summit coincided with a busy day on the mountain, with 135 climbers reaching the summit. Indians formed the largest group this season, having received 87 of the 468 permits issued by Nepal’s Department of Tourism.
Himachal CM Praises Her as a “Symbol of Courage”
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Angmo for her historic feat, calling her a symbol of unyielding determination and hope.
“Chhonzin Angmo has brought immense pride to Himachal Pradesh and the nation by becoming the first blind woman to scale Mount Everest. Her extraordinary courage and unshakable resolve are a shining example of the human spirit. Her journey will continue to inspire generations of youth to stay committed to their goals, regardless of the odds,” Sukhu said in an official statement.
A Beacon of Hope for Kinnaur, Himachal & Beyond
Coming from the rugged terrain of Kinnaur, Angmo’s achievement exemplifies the resilient spirit of Himachal Pradesh’s hill communities. Her story transcends mountaineering records—it is a profound narrative of grit, passion, and the belief that limitations are only as powerful as one allows them to be.
Her success is not only a personal milestone but also a significant statement on inclusivity and the untapped potential within the differently-abled community. It reiterates that disability is not inability, and with courage and support, every summit—literal or metaphorical—can be reached.
As Angmo plants the tricolour on the roof of the world, her story serves as a clarion call for the nation to embrace determination, break stereotypes, and strive for excellence against all odds.
Munish Sood
