‘Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa’ Netflix Review - Focuses on Personal Life

The documentary opens with Lhakpa Sherpa working at a Whole Foods store. A world record holder in mountaineering, Lhakpa is a resilient and humble woman, dedicated to supporting her son and two daughters. Dressed in her traditional Nepali attire, she begins by sharing her story. With an enthusiastic and seemingly carefree demeanor, Lhakpa introduces herself as a "mountain girl" who holds a deep love for the peaks that shaped her life.

Her name, which translates to "born on a Wednesday," reflects a unique tradition in her village where everyone is named after the day they were born. An old clip from when Lhakpa was 26 reveals her youthful determination and desire to remain unmarried despite societal pressures. While her parents and siblings were involved in loveless marriages, Lhakpa was determined to forge a different path. Although she fell in love with someone, they never married, and together they had a son. Despite not marrying her son's father, Lhakpa remained committed to raising her child.

Lhakpa’s passion for mountaineering is evident as she speaks about her ambition to break the stereotype that climbing is a male-dominated sport. For her, the mountains are a calling, and she aspires to conquer their peaks.

As the documentary progresses, it shifts its focus to her now-deceased husband, Gheorghe Dijmarescu. Through archival footage and interviews, a darker side of Gheorghe’s character emerges. It becomes apparent that he was an abusive partner who physically harmed Lhakpa. Her two daughters also share their harrowing experiences of living with him, providing a stark contrast to the earlier portrayal of Lhakpa's life and highlighting the complex and painful journey she endured.

Lhakpa Sherpa's life is undeniably inspirational, both personally and professionally. Her professional achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. She has summited Mount Everest a record ten times, a feat unmatched by any other woman in the world. Not only has she set this impressive record, but she has also broken her own previous milestones. In 2016, she made history by becoming the first Nepali woman to climb successfully and descend Everest, further cementing her place in mountaineering history.

Despite facing significant personal challenges, Lhakpa has navigated through adversity with remarkable resilience. Her turbulent personal life, marked by struggles and hardships, has not diminished her incredible achievements. Today, Lhakpa Sherpa lives in the United States with her three children, where she continues to inspire others with her strength, determination, and unparalleled contributions to the world of mountaineering. Her journey is a testament to her enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to her dreams.

The primary criticism of this documentary is its disproportionate focus on Lhakpa Sherpa's personal life. Although her experiences are undoubtedly significant, the film tends to emphasize this aspect to an extent that overshadows her remarkable professional achievements. While the narrative does provide valuable insights into her struggles and personal relationships, it would benefit from a more balanced exploration of her extraordinary career in mountaineering. Highlighting her record-breaking climbs, her contributions to the sport, and her role in challenging gender norms in mountaineering could provide a more comprehensive view of her life and legacy. By giving more attention to her professional feats, the documentary would better capture the essence of Lhakpa Sherpa's impact and accomplishments.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times