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Witness History: The first Indian woman to conquer Everest

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02/06/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The first Indian woman to conquer Everest

In May 1984, Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to stand on top of the world

In 1984, Bachendri Pal made history by becoming the first Indian woman to stand on top of the world. Her success was celebrated across India and changed her life forever.

As a child, Bachendri Pal never dreamt of conquering mountains but a chance meeting with a climber changed all that.

She applied for a mountaineering course and was chosen to be part of India’s first mixed-gender team to climb Mount Everest. 

On the journey, she faced icy winds, freezing temperatures and an avalanche that destroyed the camp.

But finally, on 23 May 1984, Bachendri became the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Everest. It was an achievement that changed her life, as she told Jane Wilkinson.

(Photo: Bachendri Pal, pictured on right, on Everest 1984. Credit: Sonam Paljor)

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