Nepal’s mountaineering triumph: celebrating the conquest of 14 majestic peaks

KATHMANDU: Amidst an atmosphere of joy and celebration, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) extended a grand welcome and heartfelt felicitations to the remarkable record holder climbers, Tenjen Sherpa, Kristin Harila, and Nima Rinji Sherpa, among others.

The official ceremony took place at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) hall in Bhrikutimandap, where NMA honored Tenjen, Kristin, and Nima with Silver Badges and letters of appreciation.

Additionally, Muktu Sherpa, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa, and Pechhumbe Sherpa were honored with Letters of Appreciation.

Tenjen, a resident of Makalu Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha, and Kristin from Norway jointly hold the record for the fastest completion of all 14 eight-thousanders. Their recent ascent of Mount K2 in Pakistan completed the conquest of all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters (about 26,000 feet) in a remarkable 92 days, surpassing the previous record held by Nirmal Purja, also known as “Nims Dai.”

In a stunning feat, 17-year-old Nima, hailing from the same region as Tenjen, earned the distinction of being the youngest summiteer of Mount K2, the world’s second-highest peak.

Furthermore, Muktu, Ang Dawa, Ngima, and Pechhumbe etched a unique chapter in history by becoming the first set of siblings from the same parents to conquer the challenging heights of Mount K2 together. The climbers arrived back in Nepal this morning from Pakistan via Dubai.

At Tribhuvan International Airport, they were received with great honor by the honorable State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Ms. Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, the Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Mr. Hom Prasad Luitel, President of NMA, Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, and other officials.

The Kathmandu airport echoed with cheers and flower garlands as hundreds of mountaineers, high-level government officials, and well-wishers gathered to welcome them back.

Subsequently, a rally led the climbers to the NTB hall for a formal felicitation. The rally traversed various parts of Kathmandu, showcasing the immense pride and admiration the nation has for these extraordinary climbers.

During the ceremony, Kristin expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her team and the Sherpas, especially Mr. Tenjen, whose unwavering support was instrumental in achieving the campaign’s success. She conveyed her deep affection for Nepal, which she now considers a second home and eagerly anticipates returning to on every possible occasion.

Mr. Rakesh Gurung, Director of Mountain Tourism Section of the Department of Tourism, on behalf of NMA, conferred the Silver Medal and a letter of appreciation to the climbers. He praised their unwavering dedication and acknowledged their remarkable feat.

NMA’s Chief Advisor, Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, hailed this achievement as unparalleled and extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the climbers for securing these records.

Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, President of NMA, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this program. He emphasized NMA’s commitment to promoting mountain tourism, environmental conservation, and the welfare of mountain communities.