Youngest Individual Reaches Summits of Earth's 14 Tallest Peaks
Eighteen-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa successfully scaled Shishapangma's 8,027-meter peak at 6:05 local time on a Wednesday, accompanied by his companion Pasang Nurbu Sherpa. This marked their conquest of the last of the fourteen "8000ers," as recognized by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, which designates peaks exceeding 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level.
Nima's achievement was verified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Previous to this, Mingma Gyabu "David" Sherpa summited all fourteen mountains prior to turning 30 in 2019, as acknowledged by Guinness World Records. The organization notes on their website that validating new records may take several weeks.
Nima embarked on his ambitious venture in September 2022, scaling Nepal's 8,163m Manaslu. Over the subsequent two years, he summited the remaining "8000ers," including Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848.86m, and the notoriously treacherous K2 at 8,611m.
To celebrate the completion of this grueling challenge, Nima posted a message on Instagram: "This world record is dedicated to my project, #SherpaPower. Summiting these peaks is not just the climax of my personal journey, but a tribute to every Sherpa who dared to dream beyond the boundaries we've been set. Mountaineering is more than mere labor; it's a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion."
Nepal's ethnic Sherpas have dwelt in the Himalayas' high altitudes for generations, serving as guides and porters for foreign climbers. Their local knowledge has proven invaluable for climbers in the region.
Sherpa climbers frequently facilitate international mountaineering expeditions, hauling heavy equipment and supplies up mountains and guiding climbers to high altitude summits in hazardous conditions. However, they often do not receive the same recognition or financial remuneration as their Western counterparts.
With #SherpaPower, Nima aspires to inspire the younger generation of Sherpas to surpass the stereotype of being merely support climbers and embrace their potential as elite athletes, adventurers, and creators. He encourages them, "We are not just guides; we are pioneers. Let this serve as a call to every Sherpa to recognize the dignity in our work, the strength in our heritage, and the limitless possibilities in our future."
The 14 Peaks Expedition company congratulated Nima on his accomplishment, tweeting, "At 18, Nima's journey is a testament to his remarkable strength, determination, and the spirit of the Sherpa community."
After achieving this world record, Nima mentioned on Instagram that mountaineering is more than just labor for the Sherpa community, it's a testament to their strength, resilience, and passion.
In recognition of Nima's accomplishment, The 14 Peaks Expedition company tweeted about his remarkable strength, determination, and the spirit of the Sherpa community.
