Nima Rinji Sherpa, an 18-year-old climber from Nepal, has recently made headlines by shattering the world record for the youngest person to summit all 14 of Earth’s highest peaks, known as the “eight-thousanders.” Just last Wednesday at 6:05 AM local time, he proudly reached the summit of Tibet’s Mount Shishapangma.

Can you share how you embarked on this incredible journey to become the youngest climber to summit all of the UIAA-acknowledged eight-thousanders?

“I started climbing at age 16, and in just 740 days, I was able to reach the top of all 14 peaks,” Nima recounted. “One of the most unforgettable experiences for me was summiting Manaslu, Nepal’s eighth-highest mountain, right after my 10th-grade exams on September 30, 2022.”

Throughout his climbs, Nima emphasized that he was never alone. “My climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, was by my side every step of the way. We encouraged each other through this amazing challenge.”

Aside from his recent achievement, Nima has set several other notable records. “I am the youngest climber to have summited K2, G1 in the Himalayas, and Kashmir’s Nanga Parbat. I also managed to climb both Mount Everest and Lhotse in under 10 hours, which was a significant milestone for me.”

As he celebrated his victory on Mount Shishapangma, Nima expressed a personal mission to challenge the way Sherpas are perceived in the climbing community. “This summit is not just about my success; it honors every Sherpa who has dared to dream beyond societal expectations,” he stated. “Mountaineering is not simply hard work; it represents our strength, resilience, and passion.”

Nima is committed to redefining the image of Sherpas in the climbing world. “The term ‘Sherpa’ is often used to describe guides and porters in the Everest region, but it actually refers to an entire ethnic group in the mountains of Nepal,” he clarified. “I want to inspire younger Sherpas to look beyond the stereotype of being mere support climbers and realize their full potential as elite athletes and adventurers. We are not just guides; we are pioneers.”

Coming from a family deeply rooted in mountaineering, Nima’s parents operate Seven Summit Treks, Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company. His father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, vividly remembers the moment Nima shared his extraordinary achievement. “He called me on a satellite phone and said, ‘Dad, I reached the summit at 6:05 Chinese time. My colleague Pasang Norbu and I are here.’ He was so calm—it felt like just another day at work. I told him, ‘I had faith in you. Come back safely.'”

Rakesh Gurung, Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering at Nepal’s Department of Tourism, confirmed Nima’s record, noting, “The peak has been verified this morning. We are now looking into the process for formal certification once he returns to base camp.”

It’s important to mention that the title of youngest climber to summit all eight-thousanders was previously held by another Nepali, Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa, who accomplished this at 30 years old in 2019. “This record is especially difficult to break now,” Gurung remarked.

With all 14 eight-thousanders situated in Asia, predominantly in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, Nima’s story stands out as an inspiring chapter in the narrative of human endurance and ambition on our planet’s tallest peaks.