Moroccan mountaineer Nawal Sfendla has achieved a historic feat by summiting both Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m) in a single climbing season, according to reports from the Himalayan Database and Moroccan media. This double ascent, completed in May 2026, marks the first time a Moroccan climber has accomplished this in one expedition.
Sfendla, who began her expedition in early April, reached the summit of Everest on May 23, 2026, and then successfully climbed Lhotse on May 25, 2026. The two peaks are connected by the South Col, allowing climbers to attempt both in a single push. Her achievement was confirmed by her support team and local guides.
This accomplishment places Sfendla among a select group of climbers worldwide who have completed the Everest-Lhotse double. The feat requires exceptional endurance and technical skill, as Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain in the world. Sfendla's success highlights the growing presence of Moroccan and African climbers in high-altitude mountaineering.
