"Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa" documentary on Netflix takes inspirational stories to new heights.
Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa premiered today, July 31, 2024 on Netflix.
In this emotional documentary, a Nepali mountaineer risks everything on multiple record-breaking Mount Everest climbs in hopes to secure a brighter future for herself and her family. At 8,848.86 m (29,032 ft) above sea level, Everest is the highest mountain on Earth.
This documentary takes a look back at her life and journey to become one of the world’s most accomplished female mountain climbers as she embarks on her 10th summit. This 10th summit is also special because one of her teenage daughters, Shiny, has now joined the crew to trek the dangerous and harsh mountain terrain. As they journey together, climbing is not the only the most challenging issue that weighs heavy on both Lhakpa and her daughter.
Wisdom is bestowed, knowledge is gained, reconnections are made, and amends are solidified. As harsh realities about the past anchor this family in place, they must face them in order to move forward and reach new heights of happiness and fulfillment.
Lhakpa Sherpa was born in a cave in the region, and had no formal education. She grew up in Balakharka, a village in the Makalu, Nepal region of the Himalayas. was married to Gheorghe Dijmărescu, a Romanian-American, for 12 years, they met in 2000 in Nepal and got married in 2002. The marriage came apart in 2012 when Dijmărescu became extremely violent. The abuse came to a peak when Sherpa had to be hospitalized due to her horrific treatment. It was then when a social worker placed her and her two girls in a local shelter, which allowed Lhakpa to eventually seek help and better living arrangements for herself and her children.
Bravery in the face of danger is one of the most striking and memorable characteristics displayed Lhakpa by throughout the entire series. An accomplished climber, first of many in her sport, and well known figure in Nepal, her journey to the top while hoping to remain sure-footed was not easy nor smooth.
In 2022, Lhakpa Sherpa, a single mother, living in the United States away from her homeland, working as a cashier in various gas stations and grocery stores, wanted to better her situation as well as achieve a new milestone by becoming the first woman to summit Mt. Everest 10 times. In the film, it is evident that the desire to summit continuously lingers within Sherpa’s soul. To her and many others Nepalese who summit, the mountain is a place of reverence. For Lahkpa, Everest holds a sacred place in her heart. This is evident by her desire and yearning to reach its peak multiple times, despite the obstacles and odds that she may face to obtain her place up top the mountain and achieve climbing royalty. Lhakpa has never waivered in her love for climbing or her family, so with that passion and motivation brewing, she crowdfunded enough funds to go on the expedition in hopes to summit Mount Everest for the 10th time at the age of 48 years old.
This 10th summit would also give her the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, face hard issues from the past, and seek redemption as she rises again in her glory as the Queen of the Mountain. This spirited, talented, courageous, and resilient mother took the chance to flame the spark within her that never ceased to exist and this documentary captures key moments of her moving storying.
As the story goes on, the documentary showcases the dark times as well as the exciting and bright moments throughout Sherpas life. Her colorful personality, passion for climbing, and love for her family is ever present throughout any scenario or circumstance that she has faced. When describing her journeys and summits, Sherpa almost speaks in a poetic and endearing tone when referring to the mountain. This documentary showcases her love letter to Everest, while also allowing her to rewrite a love letter to herself. In an interview with Tudum by Netflix Sherpa stated,
“Many people go through bad things; I heal by nature. We feel hurt in our hearts, and nature can build us back. Nature builds me back into a strong woman.…Nature is my healer. Nature and hiking in the mountains is my best friend, my doctor, my healer.”
-Lhakpa Sherpa
Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa is inspiring, motivating, healing, and captivating all at once. As the danger to survive mother nature and reach the top of Mount Everest constantly looms throughout the documentary, its the ever fierce determination of a mother to remain hopeful throughout her life and passionate about what she loves that gives audiences an emotional connection to the story.
The cinematography in this documentary is beautiful. It gives viewers an in depth look at just how harsh weather and overall conditions can be for those who seek to climb massive mountains throughout the world. The film also shows that both mental and physical aspects must align in order to achieve such a great feat. Having physical endurance and mental toughness can be the difference between life or death on a mountain. To have done this summit 10 times is truly a remarkable accomplishment for anyone in this often predominately male field.
“I’m so happy that I can give all the women the message, “Don’t give up.” To the men and women, the young girls and young boys, keep going. Keep doing whatever you want to do. Don’t give up. If you have a dream, keep going. Work hard at it, even if it’s not easy. Every young girl and young boy has their own Everest. You’ll reach your Everest. Keep going step by step — work hard, it’s not easy, but keep going step by step.” -Lhakpa Sherpa
A few other notable accomplishments of Lhakpa Sherpa are:
Fastest ascent from Everest South Base Camp
with supplemental oxygen2016 one of BBC's 100 Women
Guinness Book of World Records most ascents of Mount Everest (female).
Grasp on to this inspiriting tale. Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa is streaming now on Netflix.