In the news: Front-page coverage in a state-owned national newspaper in Nepal

She said,

“Over the past decade, my ability to hear and see has gradually been declining. Since the age of 19, both my hearing and speech have weakened. Through climbing Everest, I want to inspire people with disabilities across the world by showing that we are just as capable as anyone else. Nothing is impossible—but we have to make it possible. I also encourage people with disabilities to step outside their homes.”

She explained that successfully summiting Everest is important to her in order to build confidence—not only in herself but also in others like her—that people with physical disabilities are not inferior in any way.

As part of her Everest preparation, she has already climbed Mera Peak (6,476 metres) in 2024. She said that only after successfully overcoming the extreme challenges of Mount Everest will the deep restlessness within her finally ease.

She is preparing to attempt Everest in the spring season of 2026. Supporting her efforts, tourism entrepreneur Prabhat Adhikari said,

“Karolina believes that if she can stand on the highest peak in the world, then anyone with a disability can achieve their dreams. With that belief, she has come to Nepal and is preparing for the climb. We are also committed to turning her dream into reality and, through her, helping others realise their own dreams.”

According to the Department of Tourism, by 2022 a total of 7,226 people had successfully climbed Mount Everest. Over the years, numerous records have been set, including the first woman, the first Nepali woman, climbers with disabilities, climbers who lost both legs, couples who married on Everest, the oldest woman climber, women who climbed from both the north and south routes, the largest expedition team, the first Nepali journalist, the oldest climber, oxygen-free ascents, skiing from the summit, spending 21 hours on the summit, climbers living with HIV/AIDS, the fastest ascent, and the highest number of successful ascents.

Gorkhapatra Correspondent (translated to English by ChatGPT)

Climbing Mount Everest is, in itself, a risky and highly challenging journey. In the 72 years since the first human footstep reached the summit of Everest, numerous records have been set. From individuals who have climbed the summit dozens of times, to those who have lost both legs, people with various forms of physical disabilities, and even climbers with visual impairments, many have already touched the summit and demonstrated extraordinary human courage and capability to the world.

As new records continue to be added to Everest every year, another historic milestone is now being prepared for the upcoming spring season. A foreign female climber with a disability is currently in intense preparation to set a new record and showcase her determination and bravery.

Born in Lithuania and currently living in the United Kingdom, 30-year-old Karolina Pakėnaitė has reduced hearing and vision. Living with Usher syndrome—a hereditary condition that affects both hearing and sight—she is striving to fulfil her dream of looking out at the world from the summit of Everest before losing her remaining vision.

Having recently returned to Kathmandu after successfully climbing Himlung Himal in Manang as part of her Everest preparation, Karolina plans to summit Everest to send a message of hope and motivation to people with disabilities around the world, showing that nothing is truly impossible.