Rysgul Akimzhanova becomes second Kyrgyz woman to conquer Everest

After a failed first attempt due to oxygen shortage, Akimzhanova reaches summit and raises Kyrgyz flag on Everest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — Kyrgyz climber Rysgul Akimzhanova has successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, raising the flag of Kyrgyzstan at the top of the world’s highest mountain, her husband and member of parliament Emil Toktoshev announced on Tuesday.

Akimzhanova reached the summit at 4:40 a.m. local time on May 27, according to Toktoshev. “Rysgul is now descending to the lower camp. We are praying for her safe return. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supported and sent their good wishes,” he said in a statement.

Her ascent comes just days after a previous attempt had to be abandoned at an altitude of 8,400 meters due to oxygen shortages. Despite being equipped with six oxygen cylinders — the standard for such expeditions — she was forced to turn back because of health concerns and extreme conditions.

Akimzhanova is among the most accomplished climbers in Kyrgyzstan. She is also the first Kyrgyz woman to have summited Mount Manaslu (8,000 meters) without supplemental oxygen. Her climbing record includes several other notable peaks: Lenin Peak (7,134 meters), Khan Tengri (7,010 meters), Pobeda Peak (7,439 meters), and Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters).

Her latest achievement makes her the second Kyrgyz woman to reach the Everest summit. Earlier this month, on May 11, fellow climber Asel Baibagysheva also reached the top of the 8,848-meter mountain.

Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China, is the highest point on Earth and a major milestone for elite mountaineers worldwide.