18-year-old Nepali mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa is close to achieving a remarkable milestone. Having conquered 13 of the world’s highest peaks, he is only one summit away from becoming the youngest person to summit all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters.
Sherpa, who holds multiple records from his previous climbs, aims to inspire a new generation and redefine mountaineering. His final challenge, Shishapangma in Tibet, awaits him next month pending a permit from China.
Summiting all 14 “eight-thousanders” is considered the ultimate goal in mountaineering, with only around 40 climbers achieving this feat since Reinhold Messner first did so in 1986.
All these mountains are located in the Himalayas and Karakoram range, spanning Nepal, China, India, and Pakistan. Reaching each summit involves entering the dangerous “death zone” where oxygen levels are too low for sustained life.
Despite the risks, Sherpa remains calm and believes the mountains have taught him valuable lessons about life and perseverance.
– ‘Real value of life’ –
Hailing from the Sherpa ethnic group known for their mountaineering skills, Sherpa comes from a family deeply rooted in mountaineering. His father and uncle are accomplished climbers who run a leading mountain expedition company in Nepal.
Initially not keen on mountaineering, Sherpa’s interest shifted when he climbed Mount Manaslu at 16, becoming the youngest person to do so. Since then, he has set multiple records with his climbs, including Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak.
Outside of climbing, Sherpa focuses on maintaining his physical and mental fitness, with plans to make mountaineering a professional sport for Nepali climbers. He looks up to legendary climber Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and hopes to promote sustainable practices in mountaineering through environmental science studies.
His journey from a reluctant climber to a record-breaking mountaineer reflects his growth and dedication to the sport, aiming to inspire newcomers and make a positive impact on the climbing community.
