KATHMANDU: Lhakpa Sherpa's historic 11th ascent of Mount Everest has now been formally recognized by Guinness World Records, with the official certificate arriving by mail this week.

The certificate reads, "The most ascents of Everest (female) - the world's highest mountain, aka Sagarmātha or Chomolungma - is 11, by Lhakpa Sherpa (NPL), who reached the summit most recently on 17 May 2026."

Sharing the news on social media, Lhakpa Sherpa expressed her gratitude: "Today my 11th Guinness world record came in the mail. I feel so grateful. Thank you to all those that support me, I really appreciate it." 

The 48-year-old Nepali mountaineer reached the Everest summit from the Nepal side on the morning of 17 May 2026, marking her 11th ascent, the most by any woman in history.

According to Mingma Gelu Sherpa, Managing Director of Seven Summit Adventure, Lhakpa began her final push from Camp IV early that Sunday and stood atop the world at 9:30 a.m. local time before safely descending.

Lhakpa first climbed Everest in 2000 without formal training, beginning a career that now includes three summits from the Nepal side and eight from Tibet, a feat unmatched by any other woman. She also summited K2, the world's second-highest peak, in 2023.

Off the slopes, Lhakpa lives a quiet life in suburban Connecticut. She has said she climbs to empower women and inspire young people, often noting that Nepali women "can do anything they want."

This record-setting season, she climbed as part of a Seven Summit Adventure expedition, guiding one of her own clients to the top of the world.