Nepal Teen Becomes Youngest Climber to Conquer All 14 of the World's 8,000m Peaks

Photo : AFP

An 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer, Nima Rinji Sherpa, has made history by breaking the record for the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks. His team confirmed that he reached the summit of Shisha Pangma, which stands at 8,027 meters (26,335 feet) in Tibet, on Wednesday morning, completing his ambitious quest to conquer the highest mountains on Earth.

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Sherpa’s father, Tashi Sherpa, expressed pride in his son’s achievement, stating, "He reached the summit this morning. He had trained well, and I was confident he would do it." Climbing all 14 "eight-thousanders" is regarded as the pinnacle of mountaineering, with climbers often facing life-threatening "death zones" where the oxygen levels are insufficient for human survival over extended periods.

In a statement following his successful ascent, Nima Rinji Sherpa said, "This summit is not just the culmination of my personal journey but a tribute to every Sherpa who has ever dared to dream beyond the traditional boundaries set for us. Mountaineering is more than labor; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion."

Coming from a family of record-holding climbers, Nima is well-acquainted with the challenges of high-altitude mountaineering. His family runs Nepal's largest mountaineering expedition company, underscoring their deep-rooted connection to the climbing community. The record he has broken was previously held by Mingma Gyabu "David" Sherpa, who achieved this remarkable feat in 2019 at the age of 30.

Nima Rinji Sherpa's climbing journey began at just 16 years old when he successfully scaled Mount Manaslu in August 2022. By June of this year, he had already climbed his 13th mountain, Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak.

"This is a proud moment for our country," stated Nima Nuru Sherpa, the president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. "Nima broke all the stereotypes, and his success has given a message that nothing is impossible if you have strong determination."

Nepali climbers, particularly those from the Sherpa ethnic group in the valleys surrounding Everest, have long been recognized as the backbone of the climbing industry in the Himalayas. Traditionally, they have carried the bulk of equipment and supplies, fixing ropes and repairing ladders for foreign climbers. However, in recent years, they have begun to receive the recognition they deserve for their contributions.

A significant milestone for Nepali climbers was achieved in 2021 when a team of Sherpas completed the first winter ascent of K2, the world's second-highest peak. This feat, accomplished on the notoriously challenging 8,611-meter (28,251 feet) mountain, further showcased the exceptional skills and determination of Nepali climbers on the global stage.