By Harish Sharma
In the remote village of Chango, nestled in the rugged Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, where snow-capped mountains meet the vast Himalayan skies, a remarkable story of resilience has unfolded.
Chhonzin Angmo, a 29-year-old visually impaired woman, has etched her name into the annals of mountaineering history.
On 19 May 2025, she became the world’s first blind woman to summit Mount Everest (8,848 metres), reaching the pinnacle at around 8:34 a.m., guided by her Sherpa team and hoisting the Indian Tricolour atop the world’s highest peak.
This historic achievement came exactly 50 years after Junko Tabei of Japan became the first woman to conquer Everest on 16 May 1975.
Angmo’s ascent was not just a personal triumph but a powerful symbol of determination, proving that true vision lies in the heart and mind, not in physical sight.
She lost her vision at the age of eight due to a reaction to medication, yet she transformed her challenge into strength. Inspired by Helen Keller’s words—”The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision”.
Angmo pursued mountaineering with unwavering focus. She completed basic training at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali, scaled peaks in Ladakh, participated in expeditions to the Siachen Glacier through Operation Blue Freedom, and even trekked to Everest Base Camp in 2024 as the first visually impaired Indian woman to do so.
But Angmo’s 2025 conquests extended far beyond Everest. In the same extraordinary year, she summited Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus (5,642 metres) on August 13, and Africa’s iconic Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 metres) on December 22. With these feats, she became the only visually impaired woman in the world to conquer Everest, Elbrus, and Kilimanjaro – a record that underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence and her ability to overcome extreme conditions, from Everest’s treacherous heights to Kilimanjaro’s unpredictable weather.
Angmo’s journey is a testament to human potential. From a humble background in a remote Himalayan village, she has inspired millions by showing that disabilities are not limitations but opportunities to redefine boundaries. Her story resonates deeply with the specially-abled community, encouraging them to dream big and push forward.
Now, Angmo sets her sights on completing the Seven Summits the highest peaks on each continent. Her remaining goals include South America’s Aconcagua (6,961 metres), North America’s Denali (6,194 metres), Antarctica’s Vinson Massif (4,892 metres), and Oceania’s Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid, 4,884 metres).
These climbs demand expert mountaineering skills, significant resources, and unwavering support. Angmo remains determined, seeking partnerships and funding to turn her vision into reality in 2026 or the near future.
Her extraordinary achievements have caught the attention of many, including her mentor and guru, the revered Monk Bhikkhu Sanghasena of Ladakh. Angmo was the student of Monk Bhikkhu Sanghsena ‘s Mahabodhi international meditation center’s school way back in 2011/12.
Recognising the profound impact of Angmo’s story, Bhikkhu Sanghasena suggested documenting her journey to inspire a wider audience. As a result, documentary filmmaker Harish Sharma is now creating a compelling film on her life and triumphs. This project aims to capture the essence of her courage, the challenges she overcame, and the message of hope she carries for the world.
Chhonzin Angmo stands as a living embodiment of perseverance. In her own words, each step on these mountains counts not just for her, but for every person who dares to dream beyond their circumstances.
As she continues her ascent toward the remaining summits, the world watches with admiration, knowing that true heights are measured not by meters, but by the strength of the human spirit.
