Visually impaired woman becomes the first Indian to conquer Mount Everest

      Chhonzin Angmo made history by becoming the first visually impaired Indian woman and fifth such person globally to scale Mount Everest . She achieved this remarkable feat on 19th May 2025 as a part of the Pioneer Everest Expedition accompanied by Dandu Sherpa, On Gurung and Army veteran Lt Col Romil Barthwal(retired) and hoisted the tricolour on earth’s highest peak.
       The 29 year old, hails from Chango , a village in Himachal Pradesh. She lost her eyesight at the age of eight due to severe reaction to medication. Despite her disability, she pursued her education and completed her higher studies . Her mountaineering journey began in 2016 after she completed a basic course at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali. She has scaled several other peaks over the years including Mt. Kang Yatse II (6250 meters) in Ladakh and Mount Lobuche (6119 meters) in Nepal.
      Angmo’s achievement places her among five visually impaired individuals worldwide. She dedicated her achievement to the specially-abled community as she states, “ If we have the willpower, nothing can stop us”. She further added , “ climbing mountain peaks has been my childhood dream but financial constraints were a big challenge. Now I will embark on scaling all the left out peaks”. As reported by sources her father said, “ My daughter has made me proud and we are all very happy about her achievement” and is waiting for her return.
      Before Chhonzin , the first to conquer Mount Everest was Erik Weihenmayer from the United States in 2001, Andy Holzer from Tibet in 2017, Zhang Hong from China in 2021 and American Lonnie Bedwell in 2023. Angmo has redefined what’s possible for the specially-abled. Her achievement is not just personal but a proud moment for the nation.