On Monday, October 8th at approx 9am MST, The North Face athletes, Nepalese-based Dawa Yangzum Sherpa and USA-based Anna Pfaff began their attempt to summit Shishapangma, the 14th-highest mountain in the world, at 8,027 meters (26,335 ft) above sea level. 

On Tuesday October 9th at 5:30 am Nepal time the duo successfully reached the summit of Shishapangma after a grueling 8 hour ascent. This signifies an incredible milestone for Dawa, who becomes the first Nepali woman to ever climb all fourteen, 8,000 meter peaks. 

Fellow The North Face athlete, Conrad Anker stated that; “Dawa Yangzum has been breaking glass ceilings and barriers since she started climbing. Dawa was the first woman in Nepal to earn a UFIAGM guide certification and has been an integral part of the Khumbu Climbing Center. With the success of climbing Shishapangma, Dawa is the first Nepali woman to climb all 14 peaks above 8000 m. Climbing like this takes preparation, dedication and teamwork. The North Face extends heartfelt congratulations to DAWA and her Nepali community on this momentous achievement.”

The ascent was made even more special as it was Anna Pfaff’s first 8,000 m peak, her specialty in technical terrain. This achievement showcased two athletes on two ends of the spectrum for conquering 8,000m peaks, one for the first and one for the 14th, reflecting the awe-inspiring and unifying community that is unique to climbing.