Nepal is home to the world’s tallest mountains and some of the most courageous climbers on Earth. Among the rising stars of modern Himalayan mountaineering is Purnima Shrestha, a trailblazing climber and photojournalist who has captured global attention with her remarkable achievements.
In recent years, Purnima Shrestha made history by becoming the first woman ever to climb Mount Everest three times in a single climbing season. Her extraordinary accomplishment earned worldwide recognition and placed her among the most inspiring mountaineers of the modern era.
Beyond the record itself, the journey of Purnima Shrestha represents resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers. From growing up in a rural village to becoming a globally recognized climber, her story has inspired thousands of people across Nepal and beyond.
Early Life and Background
The story of Purnima Shrestha begins in the village of Arughat in Gorkha district, Nepal. Born into a family of subsistence farmers, she grew up in a rural environment where life was simple and opportunities were limited. Her family did not even have running water during her childhood, which reflects the humble circumstances she came from.
Despite these challenges, She always dreamed of doing something meaningful in life. She was ambitious and curious from a young age, determined to create opportunities beyond the traditional expectations placed on many girls in rural Nepal.
At the age of sixteen, Purnima Shrestha made a life-changing decision. She moved to Kathmandu to pursue education and explore better career prospects. This was a bold step because many young women from rural communities were expected to follow traditional paths such as early marriage and household responsibilities.
In Kathmandu, She studied communications and gradually entered the field of journalism. Her early career was shaped by curiosity, storytelling, and a passion for documenting the realities of life in Nepal.
Career as a Photojournalist
Before becoming a mountaineer, Purnima Shrestha built her professional identity as a photojournalist. Photography allowed her to capture powerful stories and portray the beauty and challenges of Nepal through images.
As a journalist, Purnima Shrestha became a member of Nepal’s Photo Journalists’ Club and worked on various assignments that involved travel and outdoor reporting. Her work sometimes took her close to the Himalayan region, where she began witnessing the world of mountaineering up close.
It was during her coverage of mountain events and expeditions that Purnima Shrestha developed a fascination with high-altitude climbing. In particular, covering the Everest Marathon and other Himalayan activities sparked a deep interest in the world’s tallest peaks.
At that time, Purnima Shrestha had little mountaineering experience. She later recalled that she had no athletic background and very limited resources. However, what she lacked in experience she made up for with determination and courage.
Beginning of Her Mountaineering Journey
The transition from journalist to climber was not easy, but Purnima Shrestha was determined to challenge herself. Her first steps into mountaineering involved rigorous training and learning technical climbing skills.
Gradually, Purnima started participating in expeditions across the Himalayas. Her passion for climbing grew stronger with every mountain she encountered.
In 2018, Purnima Shrestha successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest for the first time. This moment was a major milestone in her life and marked the beginning of her rise as a serious high-altitude climber.
After her first Everest success, Purnima Shrestha continued to expand her mountaineering career by climbing other challenging peaks.
Major Himalayan Achievements
Over the years, Purnima Shrestha has climbed several of the world’s highest and most difficult mountains. Her growing experience helped her build a strong reputation within the international mountaineering community.
Some of the significant achievements of Purnima Shrestha include climbing several peaks above 8,000 meters, the highest category of mountains on Earth. These peaks are known as “eight-thousanders” and are considered extremely dangerous due to low oxygen levels, severe weather, and technical climbing routes.
Among the peaks climbed by Purnima Shrestha are Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri, two of the most technically challenging mountains in the Himalayas. In 2021, she was part of a team of Nepali women who became the first from the country to summit Annapurna.
Later the same year, Purnima Shrestha and Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita made history by becoming the first women to successfully climb Dhaulagiri. These achievements significantly strengthened her position as one of Nepal’s leading female climbers.
By the mid-2020s, Purnima Shrestha had already climbed multiple 8,000-meter peaks, including K2, Lhotse, Manaslu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, demonstrating her extraordinary mountaineering ability.
The Historic Everest Triple Summit
The moment that brought global recognition to Purnima Shrestha came in 2024. During the spring climbing season, she accomplished something never before achieved by a woman.
In just thirteen days, Purnima Shrestha successfully climbed Mount Everest three times. Her summits occurred on May 12, May 19, and May 25, making her the first woman in the world to achieve this extraordinary feat within a single climbing season.
This achievement required immense physical endurance, careful planning, and mental strength. Climbing Everest once is already an extremely demanding challenge due to altitude sickness, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather.
For Purnima Shrestha to complete three successful summits within such a short period demonstrated exceptional stamina and determination.
Her historic accomplishment quickly gained international attention and was widely reported by global media.
Global Recognition and Guinness Record
After completing the triple Everest ascent, Purnima Shrestha received recognition from the global mountaineering community. Her achievement established her as the first woman to reach the Everest summit three times in a single season.
The incredible record earned Purnima Shrestha a place in the Guinness World Records and highlighted Nepal’s continued leadership in the world of mountaineering.
In addition to this record, Purnima Shrestha was also recognized internationally for her achievements and influence in adventure sports.
Purnima Shrestha Biography
In 2024, CNN included her in its list of “extreme athletes who pushed limits,” recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments she achieved during that year.
Being included in such a prestigious list further solidified Purnima as one of the most influential athletes representing Nepal on the global stage.
Continuing Success in Mountaineering
The mountaineering career of Purnima Shrestha did not stop after the Everest record. She continued climbing and pushing her limits in the years that followed.
By 2025, Purnima Shrestha had successfully summited Mount Everest five times in total, further strengthening her legacy as one of Nepal’s top female climbers.
In addition, Purnima Shrestha had already climbed eight of the fourteen mountains in the world that rise above 8,000 meters. This achievement places her among the elite mountaineers who are working toward completing all the world’s highest peaks.
Her accomplishments have demonstrated that Nepali climbers are not only guides for international expeditions but also leaders and pioneers in mountaineering.
Inspiration for Women and Future Climbers
Beyond records and statistics, Purnima Shrestha represents something much bigger for Nepal and the global adventure community.
Her journey shows that women can achieve extraordinary success even in fields traditionally dominated by men. Mountaineering has historically been male-dominated, especially at extreme altitudes.
By breaking records and challenging expectations, Purnima Shrestha has become an inspiration for women who dream of pursuing careers in adventure, exploration, and sports.
Young girls across Nepal now see her as proof that determination and courage can overcome social and economic barriers.
The Legacy of a Modern Himalayan Icon
Today, Purnima Shrestha stands as one of the most respected female mountaineers in Nepal. Her achievements have not only brought pride to the country but also inspired a new generation of climbers.
Her journey from a rural village to the summit of the world’s tallest mountain reflects the power of perseverance and ambition. The legacy of Purnima continues to grow as she pursues new expeditions and challenges in the Himalayas.
The life story of Purnima is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements often begin with humble beginnings. From a small village in Gorkha to the summit of Mount Everest, her journey represents courage, resilience, and determination. By climbing Everest three times in a single season, Purnima not only made history but also inspired millions of people around the world.
Her achievements highlight Nepal’s deep connection with the Himalayas and demonstrate the incredible strength of Nepali climbers. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new peaks, Purnima Shrestha remains a symbol of perseverance and a proud ambassador of Nepal on the global mountaineering stage.
FAQs About Purnima Shrestha
Who is Purnima Shrestha?
Purnima Shrestha is a Nepali mountaineer and photojournalist known for her extraordinary achievements in high-altitude climbing. She gained global recognition after becoming the first woman in history to climb Mount Everest three times in a single climbing season. She is also recognized as one of Nepal’s leading female mountaineers.
When did Purnima Shrestha climb Mount Everest three times in a single season?
She achieved this historic feat during the spring climbing season of 2024. Her three Everest summits occurred on May 12, May 19, and May 25, making her the first woman to complete three ascents of the world’s highest mountain in such a short period.
What record did Purnima Shrestha set on Mount Everest?
She set a global record by becoming the first woman to summit Mount Everest three times within a single climbing season. This remarkable achievement demonstrated exceptional endurance and mountaineering skill.
How many times has Purnima Shrestha climbed Mount Everest?
As of 2025, she has successfully climbed Mount Everest five times, further establishing herself as one of Nepal’s most accomplished female climbers.
When did Purnima Shrestha climb Mount Everest for the first time?
Her first successful ascent of Mount Everest was in 2018, marking the beginning of her career as a high-altitude mountaineer.
Where was Purnima Shrestha born?
She was born in Arughat, Gorkha district, Nepal, a region known as a gateway to the Himalayan mountains.
Was Purnima Shrestha a journalist before becoming a climber?
Yes. Before entering the mountaineering world, she worked as a photojournalist and was a member of the Photo Journalists’ Club in Nepal. Her work documenting Himalayan stories inspired her to start climbing mountains herself.
Which other major mountains has Purnima Shrestha climbed?
Apart from Everest, she has climbed several of the world’s highest peaks above 8,000 meters, including:
K2
Kanchenjunga
Lhotse
Makalu
Manaslu
Annapurna I
Dhaulagiri
These achievements place her among the elite high-altitude climbers working toward summiting all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks.
What recognition did Purnima Shrestha receive internationally?
In 2024, she was included in CNN’s list of “Extreme Athletes Who Pushed Limits” after her historic triple ascent of Mount Everest. This recognition brought international attention to her achievements and highlighted Nepal’s mountaineering excellence.
Why is She important for Nepal?
Her achievements are significant because they highlight the strength and leadership of Nepali climbers in global mountaineering. She has also become an inspiration for women in Nepal by proving that they can excel in challenging adventure sports and extreme environments.
What are Purnima Shrestha’s future goals?
One of her major goals is to climb all 14 mountains in the world that are higher than 8,000 meters, a challenge considered one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering.
Why is climbing Mount Everest multiple times so difficult?
Climbing Everest is extremely challenging due to:
Low oxygen levels at high altitude
Extreme weather conditions
Risk of altitude sickness
Technical climbing routes and avalanches
Completing the climb three times in one season requires exceptional endurance and careful acclimatization planning.
