Four Nepalese women conquer highest peaks on all 7 continents

KATHMANDU: In a first, four members of an all-women Nepalese expedition team have scaled the highest peaks on all the seven continents.

The team began their quest in 2008 by climbing Mount Everest and finally scaled Mt Vinson in Antarctica on December 23 last year.

They became the first all-women expedition group to climb the peaks on the seven continents. Of the seven-membered group-- Chunu Shrestha, Nimdoma Sherpa, Pema Diki Sherpa and Maya Gurung-- succeeded in climbing all the seven peaks.

They reached the summit of Mt Vinson Massif in Antarctica on December 23 last year, achieving this unique feat.

"The climb was more challenging than expected because of the weather. We had needle like snow piercing into our faces. Yet, reaching the summit filled my heart. A long time dream finally came true," said Nimdoma Sherpa, who scaled all the peaks.

Team leader Shailee Basnet said: "It has been tough seven years but not without achievement. While climbing the mountains as a women team has its special place in history, opportunity to make real impact in education, empowerment, environment and the country's promotion has been historic in their own rights".

Also, 35-year-old Sushmita Maskey became the first Nepalese woman to climb the highest peaks of all 7 continents on December 6, 2014. The women returned home today. The members of the team would continue to climb mountains even after achieving their goal, said Basnet.

They have scaled Everest in Asia, Kosciuszko in Australia, Elbrus in Europe, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in South America, Denali or McKinley in North America and Vinson in Antarctica.