Asel Baibagysheva: Age is not an excuse: Started at 45, Summited at 54
In the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, a remarkable story of determination and courage has unfolded. Asel Baibagysheva, a 54-year-old single mother of three, has climbed her way into history books by becoming the first Kyrgyz woman to stand on top of Mount Everest.
A Late but Powerful Start
Unlike many climbers who begin training in their youth, Asel’s mountaineering journey started when she was 45 years old. Born in 1971 in Kyrgyzstan, she spent most of her life raising her three children alone, without support from her ex-husband.
What makes her story even more powerful is that it carries an important message against violence toward women and promotes gender equality. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, even after facing life’s challenges.
Rising Through the Ranks
After beginning mountaineering at 45, Asel quickly showed exceptional talent and determination. In a short time, she became a professional alpinist. Her progress was remarkable – she completed the challenging “Ak Ilbirs” program established by the Mountaineering Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic, which includes three difficult peaks Lenin Peak (7,134 meters), Khan Tengri (7,010 meters),Peak Pobeda (7,439 meters)
Peak Pobeda is especially significant as it’s considered the most difficult peak in the former Soviet Union. Asel successfully completed this technical climb in 2023, adding to her growing list of achievements.
Breaking Barriers at High Altitudes
In 2022, Asel’s climbing career reached new heights when she joined the National Team and summited Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that she did it without using supplemental oxygen a feat that requires exceptional physical and mental strength.
During her journey, she also climbed numerous peaks over 7,000 meters in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, building her experience and preparing for even greater challenges.
The Historic Everest Climb
In 2025, under the “KYRGYZ IZI” project and with support from Kadyr Saydilkan, the project’s author, producer, and sponsor, Asel traveled to Nepal to attempt climbing Mount Everest – the highest point on Earth at 8,848 meters.
On May 9, 2025, at 3:00 a.m., she began her summit push from Base Camp. After an incredible display of endurance and determination, on May 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., she reached the summit. With this achievement, she became the first Kyrgyz woman in history to stand on top of Everest.
Her accomplishment was even more remarkable because she completed a nonstop ascent from Base Camp to the top in just 54 hours, becoming the first woman of the entire 2025 spring climbing season to summit Everest.
National Recognition
Asel’s historic climb was quickly recognized at the highest levels of Kyrgyzstan’s government. On May 12, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, personally congratulated her. He stated that her success was an inspiring example for all Kyrgyzstanis and a source of national pride.
Asel herself expressed a deep sense of responsibility about her achievement, saying she felt a special duty to represent her country with every step toward the summit.
More Than Just a Climber
What makes Asel’s story truly remarkable is the multiple roles she balances in her life. She is not just a record-breaking mountaineer but also a dedicated mother who raised three children on her own. Her journey represents hope in the face of personal challenges and breaking gender barriers in a physically demanding sport.
Her story, called “The First Kyrgyz Woman’s Footprint on the Roof of the World,” inspires people across Kyrgyzstan and beyond. It shows that with determination and courage, it’s possible to reach new heights both literally and figuratively regardless of age, gender, or personal circumstances.
