In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa from Nepal has set a new world record as the youngest mountaineer to conquer Earth’s 14 highest peaks, each over 8,000 meters. Early on Wednesday, Nima Rinji stood atop Mount Shishapangma in Tibet, his final summit in the prestigious “eight-thousander” list, achieving the record at approximately 6:05 a.m. local time.

Nima Rinji, who began his high-altitude climbing journey at 16, scaled all 14 peaks within an impressive 740 days. His first major summit was Nepal’s Manaslu on September 30, 2022, just after he had completed his 10th-grade exams. Throughout his journey, he was accompanied by his climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, forming a duo that exemplifies the next generation of skilled Sherpa mountaineers.

This record-breaking summit on Wednesday is the latest in a series of milestones for Nima Rinji, who has also become the youngest to scale Pakistan’s G1 and G2 peaks, Kashmir’s formidable Nanga Parbat, and Nepal’s Mount Everest and Lhotse within a span of 10 hours. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized that his accomplishments go beyond individual triumphs; they represent a tribute to the Sherpa 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,” Nima Rinji said. “Mountaineering is more than labor; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion.”

The Sherpa community is well known as the backbone of Himalayan expeditions, yet often stereotyped as guides or porters for foreign climbers. However, Nima Rinji aims to change this perception. “We are not just guides; we are trailblazers,” he said, urging younger Sherpas to “rise above the stereotype of being only support climbers and embrace their potential as top-tier athletes, adventurers, and creators.”

Nima Rinji’s dedication to changing the image of Sherpa mountaineers reflects his heritage, as he comes from a family steeped in mountaineering accomplishments. His family runs Seven Summit Treks, Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company, which organized his historic Shishapangma climb.

Following the successful summit, his father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, shared a proud moment, recounting a call with his son 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 recalled. “Being highly trained and professional, he wasn’t even thrilled; it was normal. I said, ‘I had faith in you. Return safely.’”

Rakesh Gurung, Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering under Nepal’s Department of Tourism, confirmed the record, stating that Nima Rinji will receive official certification upon his return to base camp. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Nepali climber Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa, who completed the eight-thousanders at age 30 in 2019.

All of the 14 eight-thousanders are located in Asia, within the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. As Nima Rinji stands as the youngest to conquer these peaks, he not only sets a new world record but redefines the role and potential of Sherpa climbers on the global mountaineering stage.