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The woman who conquered Mount Everest 10 times. Lucy Walker, a two-time Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, shares a name with a 19th-century alpinist who was the first woman to summit the Matterhorn in 1871 and the Eiger in 1864. In her new documentary, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, Walker tells the story of Lhakpa Sherpa, a native of Nepal who has etched her name into the mountaineering record books by summiting Mount Everest an astounding ten times, more than any other woman.

It begins in 2022, portraying Lhakpa Sherpa as a humble worker at a Whole Foods in Connecticut, living in a small apartment with her two daughters. The narrative quickly transports viewers back to 2000, when Sherpa became the first Nepali woman to summit Everest, a remarkable feat considering her lack of formal education and literacy. Despite her grandmother’s attempts to deter her with tales of Yetis, and the patriarchal culture that denied her an education, Lhakpa’s determination never wavered. She disguised herself as a boy to work as a porter, eventually climbing the ranks to reach her goal.

The documentary vividly recounts her journey, including surviving an abusive marriage to climber George Dijmarescu, with whom she had two daughters. The film captures a harrowing moment of domestic violence recorded on camera, showcasing the immense personal obstacles she faced. Walker's direction brings Lhakpa Sherpa's story to life with sensitivity and respect, highlighting not only her incredible accomplishments but also the significant cultural impact of her journey.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the documentary on Netflix or watch the trailer (runtime:2:13).

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