Phunjo Jhangmu Lama Appointed Tourism Goodwill Ambassador of Chumnubri

Gorkha June 29: Renowned mountaineer Phunjo Jhangmu Lama has been appointed tourism goodwill ambassador by Chumnubri Rural Municipality in Gorkha.

The decision was made unanimously during the recent rural municipality assembly, according to Chairperson Nima Lama. The appointment comes as the local government celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Manaslu.

Chairperson Lama said Phunjo, who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest ascent of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) by a woman, will play a key role in promoting tourism in the Manaslu region. “We regard Phunjo as an ornament of our nation and appoint her as the tourism goodwill ambassador,” he said.

Accepting the appointment, Phunjo expressed gratitude and pledged to promote the region internationally. “It is a great honour for me, and I will leave no stone unturned to promote this region worldwide,” she said.

A native of Chokangpa village in Chumnubri-7, Phunjo set the world record in 2024 by climbing Sagarmatha from base camp in 14 hours and 31 minutes. She has also summited several major peaks, including Lhotse, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Lobuche and Denali.

Besides her mountaineering achievements, Phunjo has been involved in initiatives supporting livelihood, education and sustainable development in rural and marginalized communities.