The Nepali Star Just Three Summits Away from Making History
Born in Hong Kong and raised in the United Kingdom, Deeya Pun never imagined her life would span two vastly different worlds the glamorous realm of Nepali cinema and the heights of the world’s tallest mountains.
Today, she stands as one of Nepal’s most inspiring figures, equally celebrated for her acting talent and her remarkable mountaineering achievements.
Early Life and Acting Career
Deeya’s journey began far from the mountains that would later define her legacy. Growing up in Britain, she maintained strong connections to her Nepali heritage, which eventually led her to pursue a career in Nepali cinema.
Her debut came with the film “Bir Bikram,” where she showcased her natural acting ability and authentic style that immediately resonated with audiences.
Despite being raised abroad, Deeya’s performances carried an unmistakable authenticity that endeared her to Nepali moviegoers.
Her role in “Dayarani” particularly struck a chord with audiences, who appreciated her ability to portray characters with genuine emotion and cultural sensitivity. She also gained recognition as a skilled model, further establishing her presence in Nepal’s entertainment industry.
Her filmography includes notable works like “Mr. Jholay,” and she continues to balance her time between the UK and Nepal, maintaining active careers in both locations. What sets Deeya apart from her contemporaries is not just her acting talent, but her willingness to use her platform for greater purposes.
The Mountain Calling
While building her acting career, Deeya discovered a passion that would transform her life – mountaineering. Her love for adventure and the outdoors grew into something much more significant, leading her to tackle some of the world’s most challenging peaks.
Her mountaineering journey began with Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, standing at 6,960 meters and recognized as South America’s highest peak. This initial climb revealed her natural aptitude for high-altitude mountaineering and sparked an ambition that would drive her for years to come.
Following her success on Aconcagua, Deeya set her sights on Mount Manaslu, Nepal’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters.
This climb was particularly significant as it marked her first venture above 8,000 meters and was completed as part of renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja’s Project Possible team. The experience prepared her for the ultimate challenge that lay ahead.
Climbing Everest
On May 27, 2022, at 5 a.m., Deeya Pun achieved what many consider the pinnacle of mountaineering success she summited Mount Everest. However, her journey to the world’s highest peak was far from smooth.
Beginning her expedition on April 6, 2022, Deeya faced life-threatening challenges during her first rotation. At Camp 2, she became seriously ill, with her blood oxygen saturation dropping to a dangerous 42%. The severity of her condition required immediate medical attention and supplemental oxygen support.
While her team continued their rotation to Camp 3, Deeya was evacuated by helicopter from Camp 2 to Lukla Hospital.
The medical team advised her to rest for several days, creating what she describes as the most difficult period of her expedition. Watching her teammates progress while she remained hospitalized, she feared her Everest dream was over.
However, after recovering in Lukla and Kathmandu, Deeya’s determination returned stronger than ever. The Elite Expeditions team, led by Nirmal Purja, encouraged her to rejoin the expedition, believing there was still time for a successful summit attempt.
Her second rotation proved successful, and after patiently waiting for the right weather window, the final summit push began on May 22.
The grueling five-day climb tested every ounce of her physical and mental strength, but at 5 a.m. on May 27, she stood atop the world’s highest peak, watching the sunrise from 8,848.86 meters above sea level.
Climbing for a Cause
What makes Deeya’s Everest achievement even more remarkable is her motivation. She financed the entire expedition herself, spending 4.2 million rupees, and dedicated her climb to supporting three charitable organizations: the National Health Service (NHS) Together in the UK, Colchester Hospitals Charity, and Children and Youth First in Nepal.
Her philanthropic approach to mountaineering demonstrates her commitment to using her achievements for broader social impact. The emotional weight of climbing for charity added pressure to her physical challenges, as she felt responsible to the supporters who believed in her mission.
Continuing the Seven Summits Challenge
Deeya’s Everest success was just one milestone in her ambitious goal to complete the Seven Summits climbing the highest peak on each continent. On August 12, 2023, she achieved her next target by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters, often called the “Roof of Africa.”
From summit, she created a touching tribute video to her father, Retired Captain Umeshkumar Pun MVO, honoring his sacrifices and highlighting the ongoing struggles of Gurkha soldiers for equal treatment and pensions in the British Army.
Most recently, on June 10, 2025, Deeya successfully climbed Mount Elbrus at 5,642 meters, Europe’s highest peak. Accompanied by Tejan Gurung from Elite Expedition and Russian guides, she reached the summit at 11 a.m., marking her fourth completed peak in the Seven Summits challenge.
A Source of Inspiration
Deeya’s achievements have not gone unnoticed in Nepal’s entertainment industry. She became the second Nepali actress to summit Everest, following Nisha Adhikari’s earlier achievement. Recently, actress and model Kabita Nepali, who summited Everest in May 2025, referred to Deeya as her “Mountain God mother,” highlighting the inspiration Deeya provides to other women pursuing similar dreams.
With four of the Seven Summits now complete – Everest (Asia), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Aconcagua (South America), and Elbrus (Europe) – Deeya has three remaining challenges: Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania), Denali (North America), and Mount Vinson (Antarctica).
Legacy Beyond the Peaks
Deeya Pun’s story represents more than individual achievement. She represents the possibility of pursuing multiple passions successfully while maintaining a commitment to social causes.
Her journey from the entertainment industry to the world’s highest peaks shows that limitations often exist only in our minds.
Through her mountaineering achievements, she continues to promote Nepali culture internationally while raising awareness about climate change’s impact on the Himalayas. Her dedication to charitable causes and women’s empowerment makes her a role model for aspiring adventurers worldwide.
As she prepares for the remaining three peaks in her Seven Summits quest, Deeya Pun stands as proof that with determination, proper preparation, and the courage to overcome setbacks, extraordinary dreams can become reality. Her story continues to inspire others to push beyond conventional boundaries and pursue their boldest aspirations.
