Phunjo Jhangmu Lama named tourism goodwill ambassador by Chumnubri Municipality

Gorkha – Record-setting climber Phunjo Jhangmu Lama has been appointed as the goodwill ambassador for tourism by Chumnubri Rural Municipality. Lama, who set a Guinness World Record for the fastest ascent of Mount Everest, was recently named goodwill ambassador by the rural assembly, according to the municipality’s chairperson, Nima Lama. This year, the municipality is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the successful ascent of Mount Manaslu as a diamond jubilee.

On this occasion, the rural assembly unanimously approved Phunjo’s name as the goodwill ambassador for tourism, Nima Lama stated. “We have appointed Phunjo, who is a jewel of our nation, as the goodwill ambassador for tourism,” he said.

According to Lama, Phunjo, who has gained fame worldwide, will assist in promoting tourism in the Manaslu region as a goodwill ambassador. Expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed by her birthplace, Phunjo said, “This is a great honor for me, and I will leave no stone unturned in promoting this region globally.”

Apart from being home to the world’s eighth-highest peak, Manaslu, Chumnubri has its own unique traditions. Having completed 105 years as a declared non-violence area, Chumnubri aims to contribute to the identification, continuity, promotion, and conservation of biodiversity in the non-violence area, and has also enacted the ‘Shyagya Tradition Conservation Act, 2080’ (2023).

Trained in the Swiss Alps and the Himalayas of Nepal, Phunjo set a world record as the fastest woman to climb the highest peak in the world, completing the ascent in less than 14 hours. In 2024, she reached the summit of Everest from base camp in 14 hours and 31 minutes.

Born in Chhokangparo village, Chumnubri-7, Phunjo has successfully climbed Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, as well as other peaks like Ama Dablam, Lobuche, and Denali. She has also been contributing to the livelihood, education, and sustainable development of rural and marginalized communities.