Asel Baibagysheva becomes first Kyrgyz woman to summit Mount Everest

Veteran mountaineer climbs world’s highest peak in 54 hours, marking historic milestone for Kyrgyzstan and inspiring climbers worldwide

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — Asel Baibagysheva has made history as the first woman from Kyrgyzstan to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at 8,848 meters. She successfully completed the climb at around 9:15 a.m. on May 11, according to Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, CEO of 14 Peaks Expedition.

Baibagysheva began her ascent from Everest Base Camp on April 14 and reached the summit in just 54 hours—a remarkable non-stop effort that underscores her experience and endurance. She was accompanied on the expedition by fellow Kyrgyz climber Kadyr Saidilkan.

“With her determination and strength, Asel has made history for Kyrgyzstan and inspired climbers across the world,” Sherpa said.

A seasoned mountaineer with eight years of experience, Baibagysheva has previously conquered several of Kyrgyzstan’s most challenging peaks, including Lenin Peak, Zhenish, Khan Tengri, and Zhel-Aidar. She also became the first Kyrgyz woman to summit Manaslu—another 8,000-meter peak—without supplemental oxygen.

Her Everest achievement is seen as a major milestone not only for Kyrgyzstan’s mountaineering community but also for women in high-altitude sports globally.

Also summiting Mount Everest on the morning of May 11 were climbers Zhubing Yi, Yunfeng Yin, and Dong Li from China, along with Sherpas Nurbu Jangbu, Dawa, Phubadhile, Kusang, and Sirjangbu—all part of the 14 Peaks Expedition team.