Uttarakhand Mountaineer Becomes First Indian Woman To Scale Mt Cho Oyu

Sheetal Raj, a 29-year-old mountaineer from Salmoda in Uttarakhand's Pitoragarh, made history as she became the first Indian woman to conquer the 8,188-metre-high Mount Cho Oyu on October 8. It is the sixth-highest mountain in the world, located at the Nepal-Tibet border. Raj's achievement demonstrates her endurance and resilience, setting a powerful example of the extraordinary strength of women in the Himalayan region. 

Sheetal Raj's Journey To Mountaineering History

Sheetal Raj's ascent was not only physically toiling, but also mentally demanding, as she conquered numerous odds to fulfil her dreams as a mountaineer. About two years ago, she faced a serious injury that she feared might end her mountaineering career for good. 

Raj suffered a ligament tear while skiing and had to undergo knee surgery. "After the ligament operation, it felt like everything was over," she told Jagran in February 2024. However, she knew she had the determination to push past the physical and emotional obstacles.

When Raj watched the film 12th Fail, her inner strength and motivation were reignited. Soon, with support from the non-profit organisation Hans Foundation and the Ethical Himalaya Expedition, she was able to get back on her feet and restart her journey in mountaineering.

Woman Of Many Firsts

In August 2018, at age 22, Raj made history as the youngest woman to scale Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. In May 2019, she became the youngest woman to climb Mount Everest as a part of an expedition called ‘Climbing Beyond the Summit: Everest Expedition 2019.’

Raj was first intrigued by mountaineering in the 9th grade when she was in the National Cadet Cops (NCC). She comes from a humble family where her father, Umashankar Raj, is a taxi driver, who earns around ₹6000 per month, while her mother Sapna Devi is a homemaker.

When Raj climbed Everest, her mother said, “My child was always good in everything she did. I am so proud that she was able to achieve what she dreamt of.” Her father expressed, “For me, apart from my daughter’s personal achievement, this is a symbol of woman empowerment."

Raj's trainer, Yogesh Garbyal was full of praise and good words for Sheetal, he said, “She has always been a hard-working girl and determined to achieve what she desired. While training, she used to push herself beyond her capabilities and strived to achieve her best.”

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In 2021, Raj was honoured with the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2021 from then-President Ram Nath Kovind. She had earned praise from many other dignitaries including Uttarakhand's former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.