Nepali mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa (C) is welcomed by his family members upon his arrival at the airport in Kathmandu on October 14, 2024. — AFP

A Nepali teenager, who has become the youngest person to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks, aims to leverage his skills to benefit the Sherpa community in the Himalayas and foster world-class athletes. Sherpas, an ethnic group primarily residing near Mount Everest, are renowned for their climbing expertise, which makes them indispensable in mountain expeditions. They are responsible for tasks such as fixing ropes, carrying loads, cooking, and guiding foreign climbers, earning between $2,500 to $16,500 or more per expedition, depending on their experience.

“I want to see Sherpas recognized as global athletes, not just as guides,” said Nima Rinji Sherpa, 18, who recently scaled Shishapangma, the world’s 14th highest peak at 8,027 meters in Tibet. “We deserve the same recognition as Western climbers,” added the 12th grader, who started climbing at 16 and completed all 14 peaks over 2,438 meters in the past two years. He plans to use his climbing prowess to connect with donor agencies, raising funds and support for schools, hospitals, and initiatives benefiting the mountain community.

“I aim to serve as a bridge between the community and donor agencies,” Nima stated on Wednesday, his face still showing signs of sunburn from the snow reflections during his climb. The son of a seasoned Everest climber who now manages his own expedition company, Nima surpassed the record set by Mingma Gyalu Sherpa of Nepal, who achieved the feat at 30 in 2019. His most challenging climb was the 8,034-meter ascent of Pakistan's Gasherbrum II last year, immediately following his 25-hour, non-stop climb of Gasherbrum I, the world's 11th highest peak at 8,080 meters, without adequate rest or food.

Nima noted that muscle cramps were his greatest physical hurdle, as his “delicate” teenage body was still growing. “I am not as strong as I should be,” he said. He survived a small avalanche on Nepal's Annapurna I peak this year and a fall of about 5 to 10 meters on Pakistan's Nanga Parbat last year, escaping serious injury both times. “I never exceed my limits,” he said. “Good judgment and safety are paramount.” This winter, Nima plans to attempt an alpine-style climb of Nepal's Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest peak at 8,163 meters. An 8,000-meter mountain has never been climbed in winter using this technique, which involves tackling the summit in one go without oxygen and minimal support.