In this inspiring episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham speaks with Chhonzin Angmo, the first visually challenged person from India and the first visually challenged woman in the world to climb Mount Everest.
Born in Chango village, Kinnaur district, Chhonzin’s journey from a small Himalayan village to the highest peak on earth is one of extraordinary courage and determination. A graduate of Miranda House, University of Delhi, and now working with Union Bank of India, she proves that resilience and purpose can take you anywhere — even to the roof of the world.
From training on ice-clad slopes to facing moments of fear and exhaustion, Chhonzin’s story is about mental strength, courage, and the will to keep moving when everything tells you to stop. Her climb is not just a personal victory but an inspiration for every person who has ever been told “you can’t.”
What You’ll Learn
How Chhonzin Angmo made history on Mount Everest
Her journey from Kinnaur to Delhi to the world stage
Losing eyesight due to wrong medication — and rebuilding life with purpose
The importance of mental strength over physical limits
Training, discipline, and the challenges of high-altitude mountaineering
How inclusion and opportunity can turn dreams into milestones
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:15 - Growing up in Chango village, Kinnaur district
05:10 - Journey into mountaineering
08:30 - Training and preparation
12:00 - Facing challenges on the climb
16:45 - Lessons in mental strength
20:15 - Making history on Mount Everest
23:30 - Message to others with disabilities
Guest: Chhonzin Angmo, Mountaineer, graduate of Miranda House (Delhi University), and employee at Union Bank of India — the first visually challenged person from India and the first visually challenged woman in the world to climb Mount Everest.
About Eyeway Conversations
Eyeway Conversations brings real stories of people living with blindness and vision impairment—highlighting their journeys of education, employment, and empowerment. Powered by Score Foundation, Eyeway aims to foster inclusion through awareness, dialogue, and shared experiences.
If you know someone with vision impairment who needs support, call the Eyeway Helpline: 8800 00 4334