Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as ‘Nims,’ has set another world record by becoming the fastest individual to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks—each towering over 8,000 meters—without the use of supplemental oxygen. This extraordinary achievement solidifies Purja’s position as one of the most accomplished and celebrated figures in modern mountaineering.
Purja reached the summit of Shishapangma in Tibet on Friday at 1:55 PM Nepali time, marking the completion of his ambitious journey. He conquered all 14 peaks in just two and a half years, setting a new global standard in mountaineering. Previously, this feat had taken climbers several years, if not decades, to accomplish.
The final climb was not without its challenges. Purja and his climbing partner, Mingma Sherpa, faced difficult weather conditions but managed to complete the ascent successfully. Despite the obstacles, their determination saw them through to the top. “This accomplishment sends a powerful message in the mountaineering world—when Nepalis set their minds to something, they can achieve it,” Purja proudly declared after reaching the summit.
Purja’s journey through the world’s highest mountains has captivated the global mountaineering community. His record-breaking speed and reliance solely on his physical capabilities—eschewing the use of supplemental oxygen, which many climbers depend on at such high altitudes—make his feat all the more remarkable. This achievement also highlights the growing influence of Nepali climbers in an industry where international climbers have traditionally dominated the headlines.
Following his historic climb, Purja took to social media to express his gratitude to his climbing partner, Mingma Sherpa, who has been a constant companion throughout their journey. Both Purja and Mingma are key members of The Elite Exped, a mountaineering company that has made significant strides in the climbing world. The company continues to shape the future of extreme climbing expeditions, and this latest accomplishment only adds to its legacy.
Nirmal Purja has previously made headlines for his record-breaking ascent of all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just six months and six days, which he completed in 2019. However, this latest milestone—summiting the same 14 peaks without supplemental oxygen—cements his status as one of the greatest mountaineers of all time.
Purja’s achievements are not only personal victories but also a source of national pride for Nepal. His success demonstrates the resilience, skill, and determination of Nepali climbers, further elevating the country’s prominence as the home of some of the world’s best mountaineers.
As Purja and his team at The Elite Exped look towards the future, there is no doubt that they will continue pushing the limits of what is possible in the world of high-altitude climbing. For Nirmal Purja, the sky is truly the limit.
