Biography:
Anshu Jamsenpa is an Indian mountaineer who has carved her name in the annals of history. She achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first woman in the world to scale the summit of Mount Everest twice in a season. Not only did she accomplish this incredible feat, but she also did it in record time, earning the title of the fastest double summiter to conquer the majestic peak within just 5 days.
Born and raised in Bomdila, the headquarters of the West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, Anshu Jamsenpa hails from the northeastern region of India, which adds an extra layer of pride to her extraordinary achievements. Growing up in the lap of the Himalayas, she developed a deep connection with the mountains from a young age. Her passion for mountaineering and her relentless pursuit of challenging goals set her on an extraordinary path.
Anshu Jamsenpa first conquered Mount Everest on 12th May 2011, marking her initial triumph atop the world’s highest peak. Not content with a single ascent, she pushed the boundaries further and embarked on her second summit just nine days later, on 21st May 2011. This made her the fastest double summiter of Mount Everest by any woman and the first Indian woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
In 2013, Anshu Jamsenpa joined the 2013 North East India Everest Expedition led by Surjit Singh Leishangthem. She successfully scaled Mount Everest once again, further cementing her status as one of India’s most accomplished mountaineers. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit propelled her to new heights, both literally and metaphorically.
However, it was in 2017 that Anshu Jamsenpa etched her name in the history books once again. She became the first woman in the world to scale the summit of Mount Everest twice in a single season and the first to accomplish this incredible feat within a mere 5 days. This remarkable double ascent of the tallest crest by a woman not only marked her fifth summit of Mount Everest but also established her as the most time-climbed Indian woman.
Before embarking on her expedition in 2017, Anshu Jamsenpa sought the blessings of the 14th Dalai Lama, further emphasizing her spirituality and inner strength. Starting her journey on 2nd April 2017 from Guwahati, she took 38 days to acclimatize at the Everest Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 17,600 feet. On 16th May 2017, along with 17 other climbers, she conquered the mountaintop once again and proudly unfurled the Indian National Flag.
Undeterred by her previous accomplishments, Anshu Jamsenpa embarked on her second challenging trek on 19th May, this time accompanied by Nepali climber Furi Sherpa. She persevered tirelessly, climbing without pause until 10 pm. The next morning, she continued her ascent, taking a brief break before reaching the summit at 7:45 am on 21st May 2017. This astonishing achievement marked her third successful ascent of Mount Everest within 10 days, adding another feather to her cap.
Anshu Jamsenpa’s relentless determination, courage, and love for mountaineering have rightfully earned her numerous honors and awards. In 2021, she was bestowed with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, recognizing her exceptional achievements and contributions. Furthermore, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh recommended her name for the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, a testament to her unparalleled spirit of adventure and exploration.
Anshu Jamsenpa’s incredible journey has inspired countless individuals, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to her goals have paved the way for future generations of women mountaineers, proving that with determination and courage, anything is possible. Anshu Jamsenpa’s name will forever be etched in the annals of women’s history and mountaineering as a trailblazer and an inspiring figure.
Awards:
-Padma Shri (2021)
-Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (Recommended by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh)