Nepal Police ASI Kunjang Chopel Sherpa Becomes First Female Officer from the Force to Summit Everest

Assistant Sub Inspector Kunjang Chopel Sherpa of Nepal Police made history on Monday by becoming the first female officer from the force to successfully summit Mount Everest. According to Nepal Police officials, Sherpa reached the peak of the world’s highest mountain—standing at 8,848.86 meters—at 8:56 a.m. local time.

Sherpa is currently stationed at the Women and Children Directorate under Nepal Police Headquarters. Her ascent was part of a broader mission to raise awareness against violence targeting women and children, said Nepal Police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Thapa.

Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa congratulated her through a statement on social media, writing: “Heartfelt congratulations to ASI Kunjang Chopel Sherpa for successfully summiting Mount Everest today at 8:56 a.m., 2082/02/05 B.S.!”

Her remarkable feat comes amid a busy spring climbing season in the Himalayas. The Department of Tourism reported that more than 500 climbers, including Sherpa guides, have reached the summit this season. On Sunday alone, at least 135 climbers made the final ascent during a short window of favorable weather.

The Nepal government has issued 468 climbing permits to foreign nationals this year. Of these, 86 were issued to women and 382 to men from a total of 47 expedition teams. Indian climbers account for the largest group with 87 permits—many of whom are from Indian security forces—followed by the United States with 83 and China with 68.