2 weeks Ago
Nima Rinji Sherpa An 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa set a new world record by becoming the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world's peaks that rise above 8,000 metres. As per the news agency ANI, his historic feat was completed on Wednesday when he successfully scaled Tibet's 8,027-metre-high Shisha Pangma , marking the culmination of his two-year mission to conquer the most daunting mountains on the planet. Summiting all 14 "eight-thousanders" is considered the ultimate achievement in mountaineering, requiring climbers to cross into "death zones," where oxygen levels are too low to support human life for long periods.
Nima’s success at such a young age has been hailed as a remarkable testament to his strength and determination. Looking back at his journey, Nima posted about the achievement on his Instagram page. He 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 labour; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion." Wanting this feat to be an inspiration for the younger generation, he further said, "Through #SherpaPower, I want to show the younger generation of Sherpas that they can rise above the stereotype of being only support climbers and embrace their potential as top-tier athletes, adventurers, and creators. We are not just guides; we are trailblazers.
Let this be a call to every Sherpa to see the dignity in our work, the power in our heritage, and the limitless possibilities in our future." "To humanity as a whole: let this climb remind us that the peaks we reach together, united, are far greater than any individual achievement. As a teenager, witnessing the division caused by borders, wars, racism and other conflicts, I call for love, respect, and harmony among all people.
In this vast world, we are but one human race. No summit, no boundary, no conflict is worth more than the peace and unity we can achieve by understanding and supporting one another," he added. Then he called out to the people to preserve nature and said, "The mountain does not define us; we define the mountain We are its guardians, similarly the world we live in should be defined by people who reside in it ! Let’s all unite to protect and preserve our natural resources to live a sustainable and adventurous life!" Nima Rinji hails from a family of renowned mountaineers.
He reached the summit of Shisha Pangma early in the morning, accompanied by fellow climber Pasang Nurbu Sherpa. "He reached the summit this morning. He had trained well, and I was confident he would do it," said his father, Tashi Sherpa, while expressing pride in his son’s accomplishment.
The President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association , Nima Nuru Sherpa also expressed his happiness at Rinji’s achievement. “This is a proud moment for our country. Nima broke all the stereotypes, and his success has given a message that nothing is impossible if you have a strong determination".
Nima Rinji began his mountaineering career in earnest in August 2022 when he summited Mount Manaslu at the age of 16. By June 2024, he had successfully climbed his 13th mountain, Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. His ascent of Shisha Pangma on October 9, 2024, completed his record-breaking achievement.
The record for the youngest person to summit all 14 peaks was previously held by Mingma Gyabu 'David' Sherpa, who achieved the feat at the age of 30 in 2019. Nima Rinji, however, accomplished the same feat at just 18 years and five months, completing his journey in two years and ten days, according to Seven Summit Treks, the expedition organiser. Nepali climbers, particularly Sherpas, have long been considered the backbone of the climbing industry in the Himalayas, often carrying equipment and setting up routes for foreign climbers.
However, in recent years, Sherpas have gained recognition in their own right, taking centre stage in some of the most challenging climbs..
