Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita voted People's Choice Adventurer of the Year 2016

Pasang Lhamu is considered one of the best women climbers in Nepal and an important example for everyone. In 2006, she became the first woman to summit Nangpai Gosum (7321m), while a year later, aged 22, she summited Mount Everest. In 2012 she climbed Ama Dablam (6812m) with the first all-women Nepali-French expedition and in 2014, she ascended K2 with two other Nepali women. Furthermore, she is also the first female mountaineering instructor in Nepal, a fact of not secondary importance in the very much a male-dominated Nepalese society.

On 25 April 25, 2015 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal, killing and injuring thousands. Pasang Lhamu tirelessly helped in relief efforts, raising money to buy and distribute supplies, including mobilizing local porters to reach remote villages. Since the deadly earthquake, she has helped provide more than 11,000 blankets to people in need in the hardest hit regions such as Gorkha, Dhading, Sindhupalchowk, Kathmandu and Dolakha.

"I am very humbled and happy to receive this award, although I believe there are many other adventurers who also deserve it," Pasang Lhamu said. "I would like to thank my supporters back home in Nepal and around the world, and I am very appreciative to get all of their support. I would also like to thank National Geographic for recognizing our efforts helping Nepal. Personally, I hope receiving this award will encourage more women all over the world, especially in Asia, to enter the mountaineering world."

25/04/2015 - Earthquake devastates Nepal
Two earthquakes measuring up to 7.9 hit Nepal this morning causing, according to some sources, over 1,000 deaths. Even the highest mountains in the world trembled and an avalanche that swept through Everest Base Camp has caused an unknown number of deaths.