On May 23, 1984, Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848 meters. Her journey from a small Himalayan village to the summit is a story of grit, defying societal norms, and inspiring millions. Below is her remarkable tale.
Humble Beginnings
Born on May 24, 1954, in Nakuri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Bachendri Pal grew up in a modest Bhotiya family. One of five children, her father, Shri Kishan Singh Pal, was a border tradesman. Despite financial struggles, including a 1943 flash flood that left her family homeless, Pal excelled academically, earning an M.A. in Sanskrit and a B.Ed. At 12, she climbed a 13,123-foot peak during a school picnic, sparking her passion for mountaineering. In a conservative society, her ambition to pursue this unconventional path faced resistance from family and community, who expected her to become a teacher.
Mountaineering Training
Pal’s determination led her to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi, where she earned top grades. She scaled peaks like Kalanag (6,387 meters) and Gangotri (6,672 meters), honing her skills. Working as an instructor with the National Adventure Foundation, her talent caught the Indian Mountaineering Foundation’s attention, securing her a spot on the 1984 Everest expedition, “Everest ’84.”
The Historic Climb
In March 1984, Pal joined India’s first mixed-gender Everest expedition, with six women and eleven men, led by Colonel D.K. Khullar. The team trekked to Namche Bazar, where Pal first saw Everest. On May 15–16, an avalanche struck Camp III (24,000 feet), injuring many and forcing half the team to withdraw. Pal, though injured, pressed on. On May 23, battling 100 km/h winds and -40°C temperatures, she reached the summit at 1:07 p.m. IST with Sherpa Ang Dorjee and others, planting the Indian flag. She was 30, marking the feat a day before her birthday.
Overcoming Challenges
Pal faced gender bias, with some teammates dismissing her as “extra baggage.” The avalanche tested her resolve, but her survival strengthened her determination. Supported by her leader, she defied stereotypes, proving women’s strength in mountaineering.
Legacy and Impact
Pal’s triumph inspired countless women. She led an all-woman Everest expedition in 1985 and the 1993 Indo-Nepalese Women’s Everest Expedition, guiding 18 climbers. As a Tata Steel Adventure Foundation director, she trained future mountaineers. Honored with the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (1990), and Arjuna Award, Pal’s story transcends mountaineering, symbolizing resilience and empowerment.
Her Everest climb broke barriers, showing that determination can conquer any peak. Pal remains a beacon for aspiring adventurers, especially women, proving dreams know no limits.