Teen Mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa Breaks Record: Youngest to Summit All 14 Highest Peaks

In a stunning achievement, 18-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa has broken the world record as the youngest mountaineer to conquer all 14 of Earth’s highest peaks, known as the "eight-thousanders." The Nepalese climber completed his record-breaking journey by reaching the summit of Mount Shishapangma in Tibet at 6:05 AM local time on Wednesday.

The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) recognizes the eight-thousanders as the world’s 14 mountains that exceed 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in height. Nima Rinji is now among a select few climbers who have successfully summited all of these towering giants.

Early Passion for Climbing

Nima Rinji began his high-altitude expeditions at the young age of 16 and achieved his monumental feat in just 740 days. His first major climb, the summit of Nepal’s Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, took place on September 30, 2022, right after he finished his high school exams.

Accompanied by his climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, the teenager displayed extraordinary skill and determination, tackling dangerous altitudes, weather challenges, and rugged terrain to reach the world’s tallest peaks.

Shattering Records

With this latest summit, Nima Rinji adds to an impressive list of accolades. He is the youngest climber to scale some of the world’s most dangerous mountains, including Himalayan peaks G1 and G2, Kashmir’s Nanga Parbat, and both Mount Everest and Lhotse within a remarkable 10-hour window.

But for Nima Rinji, these achievements go beyond personal milestones. His goal is to redefine how Sherpas are perceived in the mountaineering world. Standing atop Mount Shishapangma, he reflected on this mission, stating:

Challenging the Stereotype of Sherpas

The word "Sherpa" is often used synonymously with mountain guides, especially in the context of Everest expeditions. However, Sherpa is actually the name of an ethnic group in Nepal known for their exceptional climbing abilities. Nima Rinji is determined to shift the narrative and inspire younger Sherpas to realize their potential beyond being support climbers.

Continuing a Family Legacy

Nima Rinji comes from a family of renowned climbers. His father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, is also a record-holding mountaineer and operates Seven Summit Treks, Nepal's largest expedition company. This family connection to mountaineering and adventure tourism has shaped Nima Rinji’s path to success.

When asked about his son’s record-breaking summit, Tashi Lakpa recalled the moment he received the news via satellite phone.

A New Chapter for Sherpas and Mountaineering

Nima Rinji’s accomplishment comes just five years after the previous record was set by another Nepali climber, Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa, who completed all 14 peaks at the age of 30. Rakesh Gurung, Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering under Nepal's Department of Tourism, confirmed Nima’s record and noted that breaking it will be "difficult for anyone now."

Nima Rinji Sherpa’s achievement is a powerful testament to the strength, skill, and resilience of Nepal’s Sherpa community. He not only conquered the world’s highest mountains but also broke barriers for future generations of Sherpas, inspiring them to reach for new heights—both literally and metaphorically