Rock Climbing & Peak Training
Intensive physical training and technical rock climbing preparation in Solukhumbu. Building grip strength and endurance on rock faces proved essential for climbing Everest's technical sections.
Story
I am Kunjang Tshopel Sherpa, a Nepal Police officer, mountaineer, and karate player. My summit of Everest became a public stand for safety, dignity, and women's leadership.
Historic Achievement
On May 19, 2025, at 8:56 a.m. local time, I stood on the roof of the world at 8,848.86 meters — the first woman officer in Nepal Police history to summit Mount Everest. The UNITE campaign banner I carried to the summit became a visible statement that the fight against gender-based violence reaches the highest peaks.
From Karate to the Khumbu
Before joining Nepal Police, I trained as a karate athlete. Standard running drills were difficult at first, but a shift to rock climbing and mountain training revealed a stronger path forward. The peaks of Solukhumbu became my training ground for a historic expedition.
Service and Recognition
Joining Nepal Police reflected a deep commitment to service. Every posting carried that sense of duty, and the expedition brought national attention to the broader mission of safety and leadership.
Awards and Honors
In November 2025, I was awarded the Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Adventurous Women Mountaineer Award at the Nepal Mountaineering Association's 52nd anniversary event. The recognition reflected both personal achievement and a larger public mission.
Journey to the Summit
A step-by-step visual chronicle from rock climbing training to the historic summit and post-expedition promotion.
Lobuche Peak Summit (6,119 m)
Successfully summited Lobuche Peak at 6,119 meters as part of the high-altitude acclimatization and technical climbing preparation ahead of the Everest expedition.
The Banner Presentation & Support
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deepak Thapa personally handed over the campaign banner: "UNITE to End Violence against Women and Girls" alongside best wishes from Nepal Police Headquarters.
Base Camp & Acclimatization
Establishing base at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and conducting acclimatization rotations across high-altitude terrain.
Journey to the Summit — High Camps & Ridge Ascent
Climbing through high-altitude camps, navigating steep ice walls, ridge lines, and harsh mountain weather during the final push toward the peak.
Summit — 8,848.86 m
Stood on the top of Mount Everest at 8:56 a.m., becoming the first female officer in Nepal Police history to summit. Unfurled the Nepal Police flag, UNITE campaign banner, and Karate Federation banner at the summit.
Airport Welcome & Reception
Returned to Kathmandu and received a grand welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport by senior police leadership, family, colleagues, and supporters.
Sub Inspector (SI) Promotion Ceremony
Promoted to the rank of Sub Inspector (SI) of Nepal Police by IGP Deepak Thapa in recognition of the historic summit and dedication to service.
Mission & Advocacy
The Cause Behind the Climb
I did not climb Everest for personal glory. I climbed as a serving police officer carrying a mandate from the highest levels of Nepal Police: to amplify the UNITE campaign — a global initiative to end violence against women and girls.
Before my departure, IGP Deepak Thapa personally handed me the campaign banner. At 8,848.86 meters, that banner was unfurled — a visible, undeniable statement that the fight against gender-based violence reaches the highest peaks.
As a police officer, I have seen the impact of violence on women and children firsthand. As a woman from Solukhumbu who found my strength in the mountains, I embody the message: strength is not the absence of vulnerability — it's the choice to rise for others.
My summit serves as a public reminder that the fight for dignity, safety, and equality continues beyond the mountain.
Achievements & Awards
National honors, commendations, and recognitions awarded following the historic Everest expedition.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Adventurous Women Mountaineer Award
Honored with a gold-plated medal at the Nepal Mountaineering Association's 52nd anniversary event for outstanding achievement as the first female police officer to summit Everest.
Nepal Police & Security Forces Commendations
Felicitated at the First Women Police Conference 2082, awarded official IG APF Commendation, and presented with "ā¤ā¤Ļā¤° ā¤Ēā¤¤āĨā¤°" (Letter of Appreciation) by the Nepal Police Wives Association and APF Wives Association.
Sherpa Community & Cultural Felicitations
Honored by the Dharma Peak Sherpa Community, Himalayan Sherpa Cultural Center, and Sherpa Media Group Nepal for bringing immense pride to the Sherpa community and women mountaineers.
Heritage, Tourism & Municipal Honors
Recognized by Shree Boudhanath Area Development Committee, Pashupatinath Area Development programs, Everest Tourism Association, and Khijidimba Rural Municipality.
Sports, Academic & Cultural Felicitations
Honored by Nepal Shitorio Karate Association, STEAN, Reliance International Academy, Association of National Musicians, and celebrated Nepali cultural figures.
Nepal Police Duty & Summit Cap
Official Nepal Police uniform portraits, active crime scene investigation duties, K9 canine unit, and the summit brand cap.
Police Uniform
Police Uniform
Crime Scene Duty
Crime Scene Duty
K9 Unit Duty
Nepal Flag
Summit Cap
Everest Summit Journey Video
Speaking & Coverage
Coverage
As Featured In
- The Himalayan Times "Schaerer youngest French woman, Kunjang Tshopel first policewoman to scale Everest"
- Nepal Khabar "Sagarmatha Summiteer Sub Inspector Kunjang's story tells..."
- The Nepali Post "Nepal Police Promotes Sagarmatha Climber Kunjang Chopel Sherpa"
- Tourism Info Nepal "Triumph at the Peak: ASI Kunzang Tshopel Sherpa Ascends to the Top of Mount Everest"
- Rising Nepal Daily "Climbers, journos feted on 52nd NMA Day"
- Everest Chronicle "Nepal Police's Kunjang Chopel Sherpa becomes first female officer to summit Everest"