Nepal’s 18-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa has made history by becoming the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest mountains—those towering over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet). This remarkable achievement was completed on October 9, 2024, when Nima scaled Mount Shishapangma in Tibet, his final peak in this record-breaking journey.
Nima Rinji Sherpa: The teenager that climbed all of the world's tallest peaks – in just two years
History making
Starting big
Nima began his ascent into the elite world of high-altitude mountaineering in September 2022 with the summit of Mount Manaslu, one of the most dangerous peaks in the Himalayas, according to The Himalayan Times.
Harsh conditions
Over the next two years and 40 days, he continued to conquer the world's deadliest peaks, navigating the treacherous "death zones" where the air is so thin that survival is perilous without supplementary oxygen.
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Not your average teen
Throughout his journey, Nima shattered numerous records, including becoming the youngest climber to scale Mount Everest and Lhotse in just 10 hours. His climbs have earned him recognition far beyond his age, placing him in the global spotlight as a trailblazer in a field traditionally dominated by older, more experienced mountaineers, The New York Times reported.
Changing perceptions
Beyond the personal triumph of his record, Nima's goal is to reshape the global perception of Sherpas. For generations, Sherpas have been the backbone of Himalayan expeditions, assisting foreign climbers with equipment, logistics, and navigating treacherous terrain.
Athletes in their own right
Yet, they often remain in the shadows, their contributions underappreciated. Through his climbing, Nima aims to uplift the Sherpa community, showing that they are more than just support climbers—they are world-class athletes and adventurers in their own right. He dedicated his success to the #SherpaPower movement, advocating for the younger generation of Sherpas to take pride in their heritage and strive for their own athletic achievements.
"A tribute to every Sherpa"
“I dedicate this world record to my project, #SherpaPower. 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 labour; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion,” he wrote on Instagram.
Trailblazers
“We aren’t 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,” the post concluded.
Official record
Rakesh Gurung, head of the mountaineering division within Nepal's tourism department, confirmed Nima Rinji Sherpa's record on 10 October, as reported by The New York Times. The previous record-holder, Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, had achieved the same feat in 2019 at the age of 30, according to Guinness World Records.
A look at his journey
Let's take a look at Nima Rinji's climbing record journey, as documented by the Himalayan Times, to put this incredible achievement into perspective.
Manaslu – 30 September 2022
Height: 8,163 meters (26,781 feet)
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Everest – 24 May 2023
Height: 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
Lhotse – 25 May 2023
Height: 8,516 meters (27,940 feet)
Nanga Parbat – 26 June 2023
Height: 8,126 meters (26,660 feet)
Gasherbrum I – 18 July 2023
Height: 8,080 meters (26,509 feet)
Gasherbrum II – 19 July 2023
Height: 8,035 meters (26,362 feet)
Broad Peak – 23 July 2023
Height: 8,051 meters (26,414 feet)
K2 – 27 July 2023
Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet)
Dhaulagiri – 29 September 2023
Height: 8,167 meters (26,795 feet)
Cho-Oyu – 6 October 2023
Height: 8,188 meters (26,864 feet)
Annapurna I (No O2) – 12 April 2024
Height: 8,091 meters (26,545 feet)
Makalu – 4 May 2024
Height: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet)
Kanchenjunga – 8 June 2024
Height: 8,586 meters (28,169 feet)
Shishapangma – 9 October 2024
Height: 8,027 meters (26,335 feet)
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