Born and raised in Tsum, a remote Himalayan valley bordering Nepal and Tibet, Phunjo Jhangmu Lama is a mountaineer and a proud mother who also holds the women’s speed ascent for Mount Everest.

In 2024, Phunjo reclaimed this title and her place in the Guinness Book of World Records reaching the summit from base camp in just 14 hours and 31 minutes!

Phunjo grew up with her loving grandfather who was a yak herder, and at the time this duo made the eldest and youngest yak herder along the steep slopes of Ganesh Himal. Today, Phunjo is a Goodwill Ambassador for Nepal and the first and only female in Nepal certified for long-line helicopter rescuer. 

Phunjo’s climbing resume is just as impressive as her profession resume, including summits on Mount Everest, Cho Oyu (without supplemental oxygen, Denali, Aconcagua, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche. Those who want to climb with Phunjo should not only be physically strong, but also mentally strong with a sharp focus and respect for our Earth. She, like many Nepalese people, understand the power of the mountains and what they can do spiritually if you open yourself up.