Four years ago, Nepali climbers made history with the first-ever winter ascent of K2, one of the most challenging summits in mountaineering.
nvn news
Thu Jan 16 2025
On January 16, 2021, a team of ten Nepali climbers achieved the unthinkable by summiting K2 during winter, making history as the first team to reach the summit of the world’s second-highest mountain in winter. The event, which took place in extreme cold conditions with temperatures reaching -65°C, was a monumental feat in mountaineering history.
This remarkable achievement captivated the world, drawing international media coverage from nearly every major outlet. The feat was hailed as a groundbreaking moment, with experts and mountaineers alike recognizing it as one of the most difficult and dangerous feats in the history of high-altitude climbing.
Leading the team was Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai), who summited without supplemental oxygen. Purja, renowned for his record-breaking accomplishments, played a pivotal role in this victory, proving once again why he is considered one of the most accomplished mountaineers of his generation. Nimsdai, a former Gurkha and British Special Forces soldier, has consistently pushed the boundaries of high-altitude climbing. Reflecting on his life and inspiration, he wrote:
“I was born in Nepal, raised in the Gurkhas, and made in the UK Special Forces. The mountains gave me a new purpose, and I am determined to use it to inspire and raise the name of Nepal and this communities. This achievement has elevated Nepal’s status in the global mountaineering community.
The climbers, who had faced numerous challenges and risks along the ascent, reached the summit at 17:00 local time (12:00 GMT), an emotional and historic moment that was shared with millions of viewers around the globe. The image of the climbers standing at the summit, singing Nepal’s national anthem, and waving the Nepali flag, went viral, symbolizing unity, national pride, and the incredible resilience of the Nepali mountaineering community.
The video of the moment spread rapidly across social media, inspiring millions and shining a spotlight on Nepal's extraordinary contributions to the world of mountaineering. This ascent marked a proud moment for Nepal and the Nepali people, as the climbers dedicated their success to their families, country, and communities.
At 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), K2 is considered one of the deadliest mountains in the world. The mountain, located in the Karakoram Range along the Pakistan-China border, has claimed the lives of many climbers due to its extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain. K2's notorious bottleneck section, a narrow couloir prone to icefalls and avalanches, has been the site of multiple tragedies, including the deadly avalanche in 2008 that claimed 11 lives.
Despite these dangers, the Nepali climbers pressed forward, working as a united team with no competition, focused solely on their mission to represent Nepal on the world’s highest stage. Their successful ascent, completed in the harshest of conditions, solidified their place in mountaineering history.
The historic team that made this ascent possible included:
Sona Sherpa
Their teamwork, perseverance, and determination have made them national heroes in Nepal and icons in the global mountaineering community.
This historic ascent was widely celebrated by the global mountaineering community. The video of the climbers singing Nepal's national anthem and waving the Nepali flag at the summit became a symbol of unity and pride for Nepal. It was shared across social media platforms, receiving admiration and inspiring millions.
The climbers' feat is a reminder of Nepal's legacy in the world of mountaineering and the country's ability to rise above any challenge. This achievement has cemented their place in history as one of the greatest accomplishments in the sport, inspiring future generations of climbers from Nepal and beyond.
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