“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller

Introduction

In a world often governed by limitations, Chhonzin Angmo from the remote village of Chango in Himachal Pradesh has redefined what it means to “see” with purpose. Despite losing her vision at the tender age of eight, Angmo has scaled not just mountains, but societal barriers, ultimately becoming the first visually impaired Indian woman to conquer Mt. Everest — and only the fifth visually impaired person in the world to do so.

Before her, this rare feat had been accomplished by a select few: Erik Weihenmayer from the United States, the first visually impaired climber to summit Everest in 2001; Andy Holzer from Austria via the North Col route in 2017; Zhang Hong from China in 2021; and Lonnie Bedwell, also from the U.S., in 2023.

However, Angmo holds the unique distinction of being the first visually impaired woman to conquer the world’s highest peak.

Her story is not just a tale of triumph over adversity, but a living testament to resilience, empowerment through education, and the boundless potential of inclusive opportunity.

From Chango to the Clouds: A Journey of Grit and Glory

Nestled deep in the Hangrang Valley along the Indo-Tibetan border, Chango is a place where connectivity is sparse and opportunities fewer. Yet, it was here that Angmo’s journey began. Encouraged by her father, Amar Chand, a farmer in the rugged terrains of Kinnaur, Angmo never let her blindness hinder her dreams.

In May 2025, she hoisted the Tricolour atop the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848.86 metres), alongside expedition leader Lt. Col. (Retd.) Romil Barthwal and two sherpas. Her accomplishment is extraordinary — not just for its physical demands, but for what it represents: the power of inclusion, courage, and vision.

Academic and Educational Excellence

Education was central to Angmo’s empowerment. She graduated from Miranda House, University of Delhi, where she pursued both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Despite her disability, she mastered the world of academics, navigating through barriers that most take for granted.

Currently working as a Customer Service Associate at Union Bank of India in Delhi, Angmo stands as a role model, demonstrating that disability is not inability — especially when education, ambition, and institutional support come together.

Mountaineering Achievements and Sports Excellence

Chhonzin Angmo’s Everest feat was not her first tryst with adventure. Her achievements include:

• Trekking to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) in 2024.
• Scaling Mt. Kang Yatsae 2 (6,250 m) in Ladakh.
• Climbing an unnamed 6,000 m peak in the Union Territory with a Divyang team.
• Completing Basic Mountaineering Course from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering (2016), where she was awarded “Best Trainee”.
• Becoming part of Operation Blue Freedom, where she was the only woman in a team of people with disabilities to scale the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.

In addition, her sports profile is equally inspiring:

• Gold medalist in swimming at state level.
• National-level judo competitor.
• Bronze medalist in national marathons.
• Avid cyclist, completing expeditions like Manali to Khardung La, Nilgiris ride across three states, and Manali to Kalpa expedition.
• Football player at zonal and national level.

Awards and Recognition

Angmo’s journey has earned her several prestigious recognitions:

• Sarvshresth Divyangjan National Award from President Droupadi Murmu.
• NAB Madhu Sharma Young Achiever Award.
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities Award from the National Association for the Blind.
• Cavinkare Ability Mastery Award.

Her story was also featured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, bringing her courage and achievements into the national spotlight.

Conclusion

In Chhonzin Angmo, India has found a beacon of determination and dignity. From the snowy apple orchards of Kinnaur to the snow-capped summit of Everest, her ascent is a symbol of India’s growing recognition of inclusive capability.