An 18-year-old mountaineer from Nepal has set a remarkable record by becoming the youngest person to reach the summits of all 14 of the world’s peaks that stand above 8,000 meters. His team announced this achievement after he successfully summited Shisha Pangma in Tibet, which is 8,027 meters (26,335 feet) tall, on Wednesday morning.
A Journey of Preparation
Nima Rinji Sherpa’s father, Tashi Sherpa, expressed confidence in his son’s abilities, stating, “He reached the summit this morning. He had trained well, and I was confident he would do it.”
Completing the ascent of all 14 “eight-thousanders” is considered the pinnacle of success in the mountaineering world. Climbers must navigate through “death zones,” where the oxygen levels are insufficient to support human life for extended periods.
Tribute to Sherpa Heritage
Sherpa reflected on his journey, saying, “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.” He emphasized that “mountaineering is more than labour; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion.”
Coming from a family of accomplished mountaineers, Nima Rinji Sherpa is well-acquainted with the challenges of high-altitude climbing. His family also operates Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company.
Previous Record Holder
Before Nima, the record for the youngest climber was held by another Nepali mountaineer, Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa, who achieved the feat in 2019 at the age of 30.
A Moment of National Pride
Nima Rinji Sherpa has set multiple records through his climbs of numerous peaks. He began high-altitude climbing at just 16 years old, starting with Mount Manaslu in August 2022. By June of this year, he had already summited Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.
“This is a proud moment for our country,” stated Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. He added, “Nima broke all the stereotypes, and his success has given a message that nothing is impossible if you have a strong determination.”
Sherpas: The Backbone of Mountaineering
Nepali climbers, predominantly ethnic Sherpas from the Everest region, are essential to the climbing industry in the Himalayas. They handle the majority of the equipment, food supplies, fix ropes, and repair ladders for expeditions.
Although often overshadowed by foreign climbers, Sherpas are gradually gaining recognition for their own accomplishments. In a historic moment in 2021, a team of Nepali climbers completed the first winter ascent of K2, the second-highest peak in the world, known as the notoriously challenging “savage mountain” at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).
