American deaf couple create new Everest history

Kathmandu: An American couple-Scot Lehmann and Shavna Unger have created a new world history and record for the deaf climbers by reaching the pinnacle of Mt Everest on May 22, 2023.

The American couple dared to scale the world’s highest peak with the support of two Nepali Sherpa guides. The American deaf couple not only created the world record for deaf people, but also successfully campaigned for the global awareness.

The deaf couple are also reported to have climbed the Mt Lhotse on the next day. The couple’s dream to accomplish this incredible feat was not possible in 2017 as Nepal government did not allow this venture for deaf people at that time. It was possible after the Supreme Court overturned such government ban.

The couple has already climbed most of the world’s highest peaks such as Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Denali, Mount Blanc and Matterhorn.

The couple had to undergo the training for mountaineering for nine months while their Sherpa guides -Mingma Dorchi Sherpa and Mingma Tenje Sherpa had to learn some sign language to be familiar with the deaf American couple.