The Department of Tourism (DoT) issued summit certificates today to Australian climber Rochelle Gilmore, 42, for scaling Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse in 2023, after the documents were withheld for over a year. Gilmore’s certificates had been confiscated by renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja, founder of Elite Exped and Sherpa Extremes Pvt. Ltd., shortly after her successful expeditions in the spring of 2023.
Rakesh Gurung, Chief of the DoT’s Mountaineering Section, confirmed that Gilmore’s summits of Mt. Everest on May 23 and Mt. Lhotse on May 25, 2023, have now been officially recognized. “The DoT provided copies of the certificates to Rochelle and authenticated her successful summits, securing her place in the official climbing record book,” Gurung told THT.
The dispute began when Purja’s company allegedly withheld the certificates despite Gilmore paying $300,000 for her Mt. Everest expedition and $100,000 for the Mt. Lhotse climb. Gilmore, who had completed the challenging ascents guided by an IFMGA-certified guide, provided transaction details to the DoT, requesting their intervention to release the documents. After repeated refusals by Purja to hand over the certificates, Gilmore sought legal assistance and received support from Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain.
“I wholeheartedly supported Rochelle after learning she had been unfairly treated for over a year,” Bajgain said. With Bajgain’s help, Gilmore received her certificates from the DoT, marking the end of her prolonged battle.
Gilmore expressed her relief at finally obtaining the documents. “It’s been a long fight, and I’m very happy to get the copies of the summit certificates today,” she stated.
Purja, who is currently in Tibet for an expedition on Shishapangma, had attempted to block Gilmore’s access to the certificates. However, the DoT’s decision overruled his efforts. Purja has now been ordered to provide the original certificates immediately.
The controversy surrounding Purja extends beyond this incident. The celebrated mountaineer has faced various allegations, including unauthorized helicopter flights above Everest Base Camp, illegal training activities for climbers, and accusations of misconduct, including sexual assault and fee evasion using dual passports.
Gilmore’s case is still ongoing in a UK court, and she declined further comments due to the legal proceedings.
