A teenager from Nepal, Nima Rinji Sherpa, has stunned the world by becoming the youngest person ever to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
At just 18 years old, he completed this monumental challenge in just 740 days.
What makes his achievement even more impressive is that Nima embarked on this adventure shortly after finishing his high school exams.
Without hesitation, he began his mission to conquer each of the globe’s formidable “eight-thousanders” – the mountains that rise over 8,000 meters, all nestled within the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges.
Breaking the Unbreakable
Nima’s feat has set a new bar in the mountaineering world.
According to the Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering from Nepal’s Department of Tourism, this record will likely stand the test of time.
“This record is difficult to break now,” he shared with BBC News, highlighting just how extraordinary this achievement is.
But this wasn’t Nima’s first foray into record-setting.
His mountaineering accomplishments began much earlier, with notable achievements such as being the youngest person to scale Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat and the Himalayan giants G1 and G2.
In another incredible feat, he also conquered both Mount Everest and Lhotse within a staggering 10 hours.
Climbing for More Than Glory
For Nima, this journey is not solely about breaking records. It’s about honoring the Sherpa heritage and reshaping perceptions.
In his own words, “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, for Sherpas, is not just a job or laborious task – it’s a testament to their resilience, strength, and undying passion.
Nima also hopes to challenge the stereotypes surrounding Sherpas, often seen as assistants to foreign climbers.
“We are not just guides; we are trailblazers,” he proclaimed, urging fellow Sherpas to embrace their potential as elite athletes and adventurers.
The Majestic Eight-Thousanders
Nima’s journey saw him scale some of the most treacherous and awe-inspiring mountains in the world.
Five of these towering peaks, including Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I and II, lie along the border between Pakistan and China.
The remaining summits, from the iconic Mount Everest to Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, are scattered across Nepal, adding to the region’s mountaineering legacy.
What’s Next for Nima Rinji Sherpa?
With his remarkable accomplishment, the world eagerly waits to see what’s next for this young mountaineer.
Whether it’s setting new records or inspiring the next generation of climbers, one thing is clear: Nima Rinji Sherpa’s journey is far from over.