18-Year-Old Conquered World's 14 Peaks—Here's His Next Challenge

An 18-year-old climber has achieved the incredible feat of conquering the world's 14 highest peaks. Now, he's gearing up for his next challenge, pushing the limits of adventure and determination even further. With a passion for mountaineering and a fearless spirit, this young adventurer is set to tackle new heights, inspiring others with his journey of perseverance and ambition. Discover what's next on his horizon.

Nima Rinji Sherpa set a record as the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, commonly referred to as the “eight-thousanders.”

At just 18, Nima Rinji Sherpa from Nepal has reached a rare milestone, becoming the youngest climber to scale all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks, known as the "eight-thousanders." His achievement was completed on October 9 with the summit of Shishapangma, Nepal's 8,027-meter peak, alongside his climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Rinji described reaching the summit as a moment of "pure joy." He credits his passion to his family's legacy of mountaineering, including his father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, and his uncle, Mingma Sherpa, both prominent figures in Nepal's climbing community.

"My uncles and my father... came from a very small village. For them, even dreaming about such success was extremely challenging," he shared with CNN. "I have privileges they never had."

Rinji's next goal is equally ambitious: a winter ascent of Manaslu without supplemental oxygen or fixed ropes, partnering with Italian climber Simone Moro. "That means we're climbing an 8,000-meter mountain in winter... with no external support. It’s all about pure human endurance," he explained. "No one has ever attempted this in the history of mountaineering."

Despite his recent success, Rinji lacked major sponsors and relied on his father's 14 Peaks Expedition for financial support. He remains optimistic about inspiring young Sherpa climbers. "Hopefully, I can become the face of a major brand," he said, hoping to shift the perception of Sherpa climbers beyond being seen solely as "support staff."

In the last two years, Rinji has scaled Everest, K2, and completed five peaks in under five weeks. Among these climbs, Annapurna holds a special place for him. "For a 17-year-old to climb without using supplemental oxygen, it’s generally not advisable," he said, reflecting on the challenges he faced.

Climbing the eight-thousanders involves navigating the dangerous "death zone," where oxygen is scarce and temperatures plummet. Nima Rinji spoke of the harsh conditions: "Your body begins to shut down... Maybe I enjoy the suffering," he joked.

Looking forward, Rinji aims for a sustainable future in Nepal's mountaineering industry and hopes his achievements will inspire a new wave of Nepali climbers. "I hope the younger generation... will help evolve this industry and make it more sustainable for the future," he expressed.

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Source: NDTV‍