Nepali Teenager Breaks World Record as Youngest to Conquer All 14 ‘Death Zone’ Peaks

Nima Rinji Sherpa Breaks Record as Youngest to Summit All 14 ‘Death Zone’ Peaks

In a remarkable feat of endurance, skill, and determination, 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa has etched his name into the annals of mountaineering history. On Wednesday morning, he reached the summit of Shisha Pangma, the last of the world’s 14 towering peaks that stand over 8,000 meters (26,250 feet) high. In doing so, he set a new world record as the youngest climber to accomplish this extraordinary achievement.

The completion of this mission, which began when he was just 16, took him across some of the most dangerous and inhospitable terrain on Earth—regions known to mountaineers as “death zones,” where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for extended periods.

A Family Tradition of Excellence

Nima Rinji’s record-breaking ascent is not just a personal triumph; it is a continuation of his family’s long-standing tradition of excellence in mountaineering. He is the son of Tashi Sherpa, a veteran climber and part of the prestigious Sherpa community in Nepal, known worldwide for their unmatched expertise in high-altitude mountaineering. The Sherpa family also owns Seven Summit Treks, Nepal’s largest expedition company, further underscoring their legacy in the world of climbing.

“Nima had trained well, and I was confident he would achieve this,” his father said in an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP). “This is a proud moment for our country and for our family.”

The previous record for the youngest climber to summit all 14 peaks was held by another Nepali climber, Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa, who accomplished the feat at the age of 30 in 2019. Nima’s achievement has not only broken this record but also reinforced Nepal’s prominence as a global hub of elite climbers.

Challenging the Stereotypes of Sherpas

For Nima, this accomplishment represents more than personal glory—it is a statement to the world about the role of Sherpas in mountaineering. Traditionally, Sherpas have been known as guides and helpers, assisting foreign climbers by carrying supplies, fixing ropes, and ensuring safe passage up treacherous mountains. However, Nima wants to change that narrative.

“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,” he said in a statement. “We are not just guides; we are trailblazers.”

Nima’s words reflect a larger movement within the Sherpa community, which is increasingly asserting itself not just as the backbone of high-altitude climbing but as elite athletes in their own right. In 2021, a team of Nepali climbers made the first-ever winter ascent of K2, a notoriously dangerous peak in Pakistan that is often considered more challenging than Everest itself.

Record-Breaking Ascent in Just 740 Days

The journey to the top of all 14 eight-thousanders took Nima just 740 days to complete—a staggering timeline that speaks to his physical endurance and mental fortitude. His first major climb came in August 2022 when he summited Nepal’s Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, shortly after finishing his 10th-grade exams. From there, he went on to conquer mountain after mountain, often in record time.

By June 2024, Nima had climbed 13 of the 14 peaks, including Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, and Annapurna, one of the most dangerous climbs due to its unpredictable weather and avalanches. His climbing partner on most of these expeditions was Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, another accomplished mountaineer. The duo has worked in perfect unison, relying on each other’s strengths to navigate the hazardous conditions at extreme altitudes.

Nima has also set additional records along the way. He became the youngest person to summit both Mount Everest and its neighboring peak, Lhotse, within a span of just 10 hours. He has also summited other formidable peaks like Nanga Parbat in Kashmir and Gasherbrum I and II in the Karakoram Range.

Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance

Summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks is a rare achievement that only a few dozen people in history have managed to accomplish. The mountains, all located in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges of Asia, represent the ultimate challenge for even the most experienced climbers. For Nima, though, the climbs were more than physical tests—they were a way to push the limits of what is possible for someone of his age and background.

Nepali climbers, especially ethnic Sherpas, have long been considered the backbone of the climbing industry in the Himalayas, but they are often overshadowed by the foreign climbers they assist. Nima’s record sends a powerful message that Sherpas are capable of standing at the forefront of global mountaineering.

Global Recognition and Future Goals

As news of Nima’s achievement spread, it was met with widespread acclaim. The Nepal Mountaineering Association, local government officials, and mountaineers from around the world praised his determination and resilience. “This is a proud moment for our country,” said Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. “Nima broke all the stereotypes and conveyed that nothing is impossible with strong determination.”

While Nima’s focus is currently on completing his return to base camp, he has already begun thinking about future endeavors. In interviews, he has expressed interest in mentoring the next generation of Nepali climbers and helping them realize their potential, just as he has. For now, though, he is content with the knowledge that he has inspired a new generation of Sherpas to embrace their heritage and redefine their roles in the world of adventure sports.