Bachendri Pal: India’s First Woman to Conquer Mount Everest on 23 May 1984.(Born – May 24, 1954)

Bachendri Pal: India’s First Woman to Conquer Mount Everest on 23 May 1984.
(Born – May 24, 1954)

Introduction

Bachendri Pal is a name that has become synonymous with courage, determination, and success. She is the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, on May 23, 1984. Her extraordinary feat became a source of inspiration not only for Indian women but for the entire nation.

Early Life and Education

Bachendri Pal was born on May 24, 1954, in Nakuri village of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India, into a modest family. Her father, Namak Pal, was a border tradesman who traveled to Bhutan and Tibet for business. From a young age, Bachendri learned to face hardships and contributed to household chores alongside her studies.

Growing up amidst the mountains, she developed a deep bond with nature and the Himalayas. She was a bright student and pursued higher education. Later, she received formal mountaineering training from the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi.

Mountaineering Journey

After her mountaineering training, Bachendri undertook several expeditions. In 1982, she successfully scaled Gangotri Peak (6,922 meters) and Rudugaira Peak (6,600 meters). These achievements marked her as a promising candidate for the Everest expedition.

Conquering Mount Everest (1984)

In 1984, Bachendri Pal was selected for the "Everest-84" expedition, a major mountaineering mission organized by the Government of India. The team comprised 18 climbers, including 5 women.

On May 23, 1984, at the age of 30, Bachendri Pal reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 meters), creating history. She became the first Indian woman to achieve this milestone — a moment etched in golden letters in the history of Indian mountaineering.

Life After Everest and Contributions

After her historic climb, Bachendri Pal joined Tata Steel Adventure Foundation as Director. She led numerous expeditions focused on women empowerment, guiding women through treks in the harsh terrains of the Himalayas.

Some notable missions include:

• 1993 – Led the “Indo-Nepal Women’s Everest Expedition”
• 1997 – Led the “Great Indian Women’s Rafting Voyage”: 2,500 km down the Ganges River
• 2004 – Led “Mission Ganga”: A journey to promote cleanliness and water conservation।                                               

Awards and Honors

For her outstanding achievements and courage, Bachendri Pal has received numerous prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri (1984) – India’s fourth highest civilian award
• Arjuna Award (1986)
• National Adventure Award
• Featured in the Limca Book of Records
• Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman

A Source of Inspiration

Bachendri Pal is a shining symbol of woman empowerment. She proved that even the toughest circumstances can be overcome with courage, perseverance, and determination. Emerging from a rural background, she showed the world that nothing is impossible.

Conclusion

Bachendri Pal’s life story serves as an inspiration to every girl in India who dares to dream big and chase those dreams fearlessly. Her mountaineering triumphs and dedication to social causes establish her as a visionary and a national icon.