Nima Rinji Sherpa Becomes Youngest to Summit All 14 of the World's Highest Peaks

Nima Rinji Sherpa, an 18-year-old Nepalese climber, has made history as the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, known as the “8000ers”—peaks recognized for standing above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation.

Nima’s remarkable journey culminated on Wednesday, when he successfully reached the top of Shishapangma, standing at 8,027 meters, at 6:05 AM local time. He was accompanied by his climbing partner Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, marking the completion of the daunting challenge of scaling all the 14 highest mountains on the planet.

His accomplishment was officially confirmed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Previously, the record was held by Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa, who summited all 14 peaks by the age of 30 in 2019. According to Guinness World Records, confirmation of new records can take several weeks, but Nima’s achievement stands as an extraordinary feat.

Journey to the Top

Nima’s ascent began in September 2022 with the climb of Manaslu, a 8,163-meter peak in Nepal. Over the following two years, he summited every one of the 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world at 8,848.86 meters, and K2, known as one of the most dangerous mountains at 8,611 meters.

On Instagram, Nima celebrated the completion of his journey, dedicating his record-breaking climb to his project, #SherpaPower. He wrote:

“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 labor; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion.”

Honoring the Sherpa Legacy

For generations, Sherpas, an ethnic group native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas, have been vital to international mountaineering. Known for their unparalleled expertise in the region, they have served as guides and porters, ensuring the success of countless expeditions. However, despite their essential roles in some of the world’s most challenging climbs, Sherpas have often been overshadowed by foreign climbers and have not always received the same level of recognition or financial rewards.

In his tribute, Nima expressed his desire to change this narrative. Through his #SherpaPower project, he aims to inspire the younger generation of Sherpas to rise beyond the traditional roles of support climbers and realize their potential as top athletes and adventurers: “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.”

Celebrating Nima’s Achievement

Nima’s success has been widely celebrated within the mountaineering community. 14 Peaks Expedition, a prominent mountaineering company, congratulated him, noting: “At just 18, Nima’s journey is a testament to his incredible strength, perseverance, and the spirit of the Sherpa community.” Nima’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful message of empowerment for Sherpas and the broader mountaineering community, recognizing the invaluable contributions and potential of Sherpa climbers to the world of adventure and exploration.