Phunjo Lama sets new record for fastest ascent of Mount Everest by a woman

Phunjo Lama, a Nepali climber, has etched her name in the record books by achieving the fastest female ascent of Mount Everest. 

She conquered the world's highest peak in just 24 hours and 26 minutes. Her journey involved a grueling 14-hour and 31-minute climb to the summit, followed by a nine-hour 18-minute descent. 

Lama, 39, embarked on her ascent on May 23 at 3:52 pm and reached the "top of the world" by 6:23 am.

Mount Everest's notoriously brief climbing season and harsh conditions create a narrow window for climbers to reach the summit. 

Often, photos depict long lines of climbers, akin to "traffic jams," stretching for hours. To overcome this challenge, Lama strategically opted for a night-time climb. 

This tactical decision allowed her to avoid the massive crowds. 

Her estimate indicates that between May 21 and 22, approximately 6,700 people were present between Camps Two and Four. 

By the morning of the May 24, she encountered only "60 or 70" fellow climbers.

The meticulous record-keeping for Everest ascents commences at Base Camp, a crucial step for climbers to acclimatize to the extreme altitude. 

Before her record-breaking push, Lama spent three weeks acclimatizing, accompanied by her climbing partner, Samantha McMahon. 

Notably, McMahon aspires to become the first Australian woman to conquer all 8,000-meter peaks.

Standing tall at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), Mount Everest presents an imposing challenge. This climb marked Lama's second attempt at the summit. 

In 2018, she previously set the world record with a time of just over 39 hours.   

However, that record was surpassed in 2021 by Hong Kong's Ada Tsang, who completed the ascent in 25 hours and 50 minutes. 

Meanwhile, the fastest ascent record for men still belongs to Nepali climber Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, who reached the top in an astonishing 10 hours and 56 minutes back in 2003.

Despite her incredible achievement, Lama remains humble. 

She downplays the pursuit of records and recognition. Interestingly, someone else submitted her 2018 record to Guinness World Records on her behalf. 

Her background provides clues to her natural talent for high-altitude challenges. 

Growing up in Nepal's remote Tsum Valley (at elevations of 4,500-5,000 meters above sea level) within a yak herding community, Lama initially spoke only a local dialect. 

It was during her teenage years in Kathmandu that she learned Nepali and later English. This unique upbringing instilled in her a deep connection to the mountains and, perhaps, a natural ability to thrive at high altitudes.

In her own words, "Mountains are my playground and my home." She emphasizes that a mountain does not differentiate between genders. 

For Lama, mountains represent equality—an inspiring perspective.

The mountaineering guide also sheds light on the gender dynamics among her climbing clients. 

Currently, about 75% are male, but she hopes for a more balanced representation in the future: "I'm sure my dream will come true," she said.