Lhakpa Sherpa: Des sommets de bravoure

Next time you are in the supermarket, have a look at the staff and imagine that one of them has climbed Mount Everest ten times! That's the story of this illiterate Nepali woman who has struggled to bring up her two daughters, hold together an increasingly violent marriage and then work with her brother at home in Nepal to lead teams of people to the top of the world's highest peak. What's clear from the outset here is she is an immensely grounded and humble woman who has a deep respect for the mountain: she even asks it's permission before ascending (and assumes force eight winds and avalanches is it saying no!). Using her latest attempt in 2018 as the starting point for the story, we are introduced to her daughters - Shiny, who is accompanying her mother on the trip, and the not so aptly named Sunny who, at 19, is staying at home. It's never been an easy ride for Lhakpa Sherpa. She couldn't even get a job as a porter when she started out - women weren't deemed to be strong enough, but her perseverance eventually convinced the then Prime Minister to encourage women to take a more active part in the business of the mountain. She meets and later marries Romanian climber George Dijmarescu and the pair become a formidable team as her summit's start to mount up, but he had baggage of his own stemming from a poverty-stricken youth in Romania and a dependency on the bottle which adds to the trauma for both and to her troubles at their home in Connecticut. The photography both current and archive is frankly quite breathtaking, illustrating the bleak hostility of the almost lunar terrain and by the end of this documentary, I thought she made it look almost straightforward (even if she does admit, in her mid-40s - to feeling "a little crappy" at 25,000 feet!). There's something engaging about Lhakpa Sherpa. A woman dedicated, respectful and loving who is certainly addicted to the outdoor life, but who is clearly motivated to do all she can to support and educate her daughters. It's hard to imagine that she will ever stop and it wouldn't surprise me if she were to inspire one of her daughters, and a great many Nepali women, to follow in her footsteps.

This incredible woman, Lhakpa Sherpa, who has summited Mount Everest an astounding 10 times, has inspired many people with her kindness and grace in the face of countless obstacles, and with her strength and determination to create a better life for her children and herself. Her dream from an early age was to climb to the top of Everest to "see what's on the other side", and in spite of no education and no money, she persevered until she not only became the first woman to summit Mt. Everest and survive, but then broke her own record an incredible 9 more times. As if that weren't enough, she also summited K2! This documentary was very well done, with amazing videos of her climbs, as well as home videos of her children as they grew up. Beautiful, touching documentary.

"Everest is my doctor. It fixes my soul." "Everest is a mountain queen, and it treats you as one."

• Lhapka

I am still reeling from the experience of watching this awe-inspiring and humbling documentary chronicles the extraordinary life and achievements of Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to climb Mount Everest and the only person to summit it ten times! Her record remains unbroken, just like her spirit.

With unprecedented access to her personal journey, the film takes us on a breathtaking adventure to the highest peaks on Earth, while also exploring the depths of her resilience, determination, and courage. From her humble beginnings in a small Nepalese village to her triumphant summits, Lhakpa's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit.

In a culture where the old saying "having a daughter is like watering your neighbor's garden" perpetuates gender bias, Lhakpa's achievements shatter this notion, proving that a daughter can bring immense pride and glory to her family and nation.

What struck me most was the stark contrast between Lhakpa's fearlessness on the mountain and her helplessness in her personal life. Despite facing down treacherous ice walls and crevasses, overcoming unimaginable physical and mental challenges, and submitting Everest ten times, she struggled to stand up for herself in her own home. She suffered physical abuse at the hands of her husband and lived in constant fear.

But Lhakpa's determination knows no bounds - after summiting Everest 10 times, she continued to push herself, climbing K2 in 2023, one of the most challenging mountains in the world!

Lhakpa's journey is not just about conquering mountains but also about challenging societal norms and expectations. It's a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us can be vulnerable and that our greatest achievements cannot shield us from everyday life's challenges.

The film's stunning cinematography and intimate storytelling weave together a narrative that's both thrilling and deeply moving. I laughed and cried along with Lhakpa, feeling a deep connection to her story.

Watching the documentary was more than just a cinematic experience - it was a journey of self-discovery and inspiration. Lhakpa's story reminded me that we all have the power to overcome our challenges and reach new heights. It also reminded me that true strength isn't just about what we achieve but about how we face our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. She is my hero now!

Overall, it is a must-see not only for those who are inspired by stories of adventure, perseverance, and female empowerment but also for every man and woman who values life and self-respect. Lhakpa Sherpa's remarkable story will leave you breathless, inspired, and eager to reach new heights. Watch Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, a MUST-MUST-WATCH. Available on Netflix.

I really enjoyed this documentary because it gave an experience from a native Sherpa point of view. Not only that but aI really enjoyed this documentary because it gave an experience from a native Sherpa point of view. Not only that but a native Sherpa woman! Her goals, her accomplishments in the face of extreme prejudice and adversity is a true testament to the strength and amazing gift of the Sherpa. I've always been amazed when watching documents on Everest of the endurance and loyalty of the Sherpa. This documentary helped me to understand the mindset and drive of this amazing people. A must see for Everest fans.

I follow Lakhpa on Instagram and found her film there. What a resilient amazing woman. I wish her every success - her achievements should be recognised and celebrated. I think this film must be cathartic to the recovery of domestic abuse for both she and her daughters. I loved seeing a film about Everest being told from Sherpa perspective. She has a true passion and calling for the mountains and to see the respect she has for the mountain is inspiring in itself.

She has a true passion and calling for the mountains and to see the respect she has for the mountain is inspiring in itself. I wish she and all her family well.