Nima Rinji’s Incredible Climbing Record
A Nepalese teenager, Nima Rinji Sherpa, has set a new teen climbing record by summiting Earth’s 14 highest peaks, becoming the youngest mountaineer to achieve this feat. The record-breaking achievement came when the 18-year-old reached the summit of Tibet’s Mount Shishapangma at around 06:05 local time on Wednesday.
Nima Rinji’s Incredible Teen Climbing Record
By scaling Mount Shishapangma, Nima Rinji Sherpa set the teen climbing record for all of the world’s “eight-thousanders”—the 14 mountains recognized by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) as exceeding 8,000 meters above sea level. He began his high-altitude climbing journey at just 16 years old, completing all 14 eight-thousanders in a remarkable 740 days.
Nima’s journey began with Nepal’s Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak, which he summited on September 30, 2022, soon after finishing his 10th-grade exams. Throughout his incredible journey, he was accompanied by his climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.
More Records Set by Nima Rinji in Climbing the Highest Peaks
The latest ascent has added another accolade to Nima Rinji’s growing list of achievements. In addition to being the youngest person to summit the eight-thousanders, he is also the youngest climber to conquer both Himalayan giants G1 and G2, Kashmir’s Nanga Parbat, and to have scaled Mount Everest and nearby Lhotse within a span of just 10 hours.
Standing atop Mount Shishapangma, Nima reflected on what this record meant for him and his community: “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.”
Breaking Stereotypes About Sherpas Through Teen Climbing Records
Nima Rinji’s journey represents more than just a personal achievement—it also seeks to challenge stereotypes about the Sherpa community. Traditionally known as mountain guides and porters, Sherpas have often been portrayed solely as helpers assisting foreign climbers. However, Nima wants to change this narrative.
“Mountaineering is more than labor,” Nima said after his successful climb. “It is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion.” He also hopes to inspire the next generation of Sherpas to see themselves as athletes, adventurers, and leaders in their own right. “We are not just guides; we are trailblazers,” he said, emphasizing the dignity in their work and the limitless possibilities in their future.
A Family Legacy of Climbing the Highest Peaks
Nima Rinji comes from a family of accomplished mountaineers. His family runs Seven Summit Treks, Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company, which was the group that organized his recent climb. Speaking to the BBC, Nima’s father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, described the moment he received the news of his son’s achievement via satellite phone. “He told me, ‘Dad, I reached the summit at 6:05 Chinese time.’ My colleague Pasang Norbu and I have arrived,” Tashi Lakpa recounted.
Recognizing Nima Rinji’s Achievement in Setting the Teen Climbing Record
Rakesh Gurung, Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering Branch under Nepal’s Department of Tourism, confirmed the new record. “The peak has been confirmed this morning. Now I understand that there is a matter of giving a certificate after returning to the base camp,” he said.
The previous record for the youngest mountaineer to scale all eight-thousanders was held by Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa, who accomplished the feat at the age of 30 in 2019. Gurung noted, “This record is difficult to break now,” recognizing the extraordinary accomplishment of the young climber.
For more information on this incredible achievement, visit the BBC or explore related topics on Kenkou Land.
