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Nima Rinji Sherpa Becomes the Youngest to Summit All 14 Peaks Over 8000 Meters

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NIMA RINJI SHERPA
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Nima Rinji Sherpa, an 18-year-old mountaineer from Nepal, has etched his name into the annals of mountaineering history by becoming the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks, each towering over 8,000 meters. In a feat that many climbers spend decades attempting, Nima accomplished this extraordinary achievement in just over two years. On October 9, 2024, at precisely 6:05 AM China local time, he and his climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, reached the summit of Mount Shishapangma, the final peak on his 8,000-meter checklist. With this ascent, Nima completed the last chapter in his awe-inspiring journey of conquering the world’s most formidable mountains.

NIMA RINJI SHERPA
YOUNGEST MOUNTAINEER

The Journey Begins: From Manaslu to Everest

Nima Rinji Sherpa’s journey to becoming the youngest to climb all 14 of the 8000ers began in September 2022, when he first summited Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters. His debut into the elite world of high-altitude mountaineering was nothing short of impressive, as Manaslu is known for its challenging weather and avalanche risks. Climbing at such a young age, Nima showed not only physical stamina but also mental resilience, which would become essential as he faced even more dangerous and strenuous expeditions ahead.

His next major triumph came in May 2023, when he summited the iconic Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters), the highest point on Earth, followed by Mount Lhotse (8,516 meters) on the very same day. These dual accomplishments marked a crucial moment in Nima’s career, as both mountains are part of the Everest Massif, with climbers sometimes attempting the two summits back-to-back due to their proximity. Achieving both in a single push is an impressive feat, often reserved for only the most experienced climbers.

Scaling the Giants: Nanga Parbat to K2

Following his Everest-Lhotse success, Nima continued to scale some of the world’s most dangerous and remote peaks. In June 2023, he summited Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), notoriously dubbed the “Killer Mountain” due to the high fatality rate associated with its difficult and unpredictable climbing conditions. At this point, Nima had clearly demonstrated that his young age was no limitation to tackling some of the most deadly mountains in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.

Over the summer of 2023, Nima conquered the Karakoram giants, including Gasherbrum I (8,068 meters) and Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters) in back-to-back ascents on July 18 and 19, respectively. Just days later, on July 23, he summited Broad Peak (8,047 meters), and four days after that, on July 27, he reached the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters. K2 is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and dangerous mountains to climb due to its technical challenges and steep slopes. Nima’s ability to complete the climb in such a short time after his other ascents demonstrates his extraordinary physical fitness and mental toughness.

A Push Toward the Finish: Annapurna Without Oxygen

By the fall of 2023, Nima was in the final stretch of his mission. In October, he summited Mount Cho-Oyu (8,188 meters), marking his ninth 8,000-meter peak. Then, in April 2024, he undertook one of his most daunting climbs: Mount Annapurna I (8,091 meters), which he scaled without supplemental oxygen. Climbing without oxygen adds a significant level of difficulty and danger, as the body struggles to function properly in the extreme thinness of the air at high altitudes. Annapurna, notorious for its high fatality rate and frequent avalanches, was one of Nima’s most significant conquests, showcasing not only his climbing skills but also his determination and courage.

Nima’s success on Annapurna without oxygen was a turning point in his journey, cementing his status as one of the most formidable climbers of his generation. Afterward, he continued his relentless pursuit, scaling Mount Makalu (8,485 meters) in May 2024 and Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the world’s third-highest peak, in June.

The Final Ascent: Mount Shishapangma

On October 9, 2024, Nima Rinji Sherpa completed his remarkable journey by summiting Mount Shishapangma (8,027 meters), the 14th and final 8,000-meter peak. Located in Tibet, Shishapangma is considered one of the more accessible 8,000ers but still presents significant risks due to avalanches and unpredictable weather. Nima’s climb was accompanied by Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, who also completed the 14x8000ers challenge with this ascent. Reaching the summit at 6:05 AM, Nima stood atop Shishapangma and etched his name into mountaineering history.

This monumental achievement is a testament to not only Nima’s physical strength but also his indomitable will and passion for mountaineering. At the age of 18 years and 5 months, Nima Rinji Sherpa became the youngest person ever to complete the 14x8000ers challenge—a feat that has taken many mountaineers decades to achieve, if at all.

What It Takes: The Physical and Mental Demands

Nima’s accomplishment is not just about physical prowess; it is about endurance, mental toughness, and an unyielding drive to succeed. Climbing 8,000-meter peaks is a task that requires not only rigorous physical training but also the ability to withstand the harshest conditions on Earth. Climbers at these altitudes face freezing temperatures, high winds, and the ever-present risk of avalanches. Oxygen levels are only about one-third of what they are at sea level, which leads to severe fatigue and the potential for altitude sickness.

Nima’s ability to continuously summit one peak after another in such a short time frame speaks to his extraordinary preparation and adaptability. Each climb requires weeks of acclimatization, detailed planning, and often involves life-threatening conditions. His use of modern climbing techniques, high-altitude equipment, and his collaboration with experienced sherpas, such as Pasang Nurbu, were critical to his success.

A Future Mountain Legend in the Making

Nima Rinji Sherpa’s unprecedented achievement has firmly established him as one of the most promising young talents in the world of mountaineering. His dedication to his craft and his passion for pushing the limits of human endurance have inspired countless others in the mountaineering community. As he stands on the summit of Shishapangma, the youngest to ever complete the 14x8000ers, one can only wonder what other peaks, both literal and metaphorical, he will conquer in the future.

Nima’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and an unrelenting pursuit of greatness. It serves as a reminder that no matter how young or how daunting the task, with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.

Tiluz Magar

Kawasoti-2 Nawalpur


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