Record-breaking Nepali mountaineer Mingma G Sherpa was welcomed with great fanfare at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today. Tourism stakeholders, fellow climbers, and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to honor the legendary climber upon his return to Nepal. Mingma G’s arrival marked the completion of his extraordinary achievement of summiting the highest peaks on all seven continents.
The 36-year-old climber from Rolwaling Valley, who was born and raised at an altitude of 4,200 meters, accomplished this remarkable feat on December 27, 2024. His list of ascents includes Everest (8,848m) in Asia six times (2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2022), Kilimanjaro (5,895m) in Africa in 2019, Elbrus (5,642m) in Europe in 2019 and 2024, Denali (6,190m) in North America in 2024, Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) in Oceania in 2024, Vinson Massif (4,892m) in Antarctica in 2024, and Aconcagua (6,962m) in South America in 2024. His Chinese climbing partners, Zhang Jian and Gu Xuming, also completed the seven summits alongside him.
A Historic Achievement in Mountaineering
This achievement adds to Mingma G’s already extraordinary career. In October 2024, he became the first Nepali climber to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without supplemental oxygen. His record includes six ascents of Everest, five of K2 (2014, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2024), and numerous climbs of other iconic peaks such as Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna, Gasherbrum I and II, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, and Shishapangma.
In addition to his seven summits, Mingma G accomplished the rare feat of skiing to the South Pole in 2024, becoming one of the few Nepalis to achieve this milestone. His autumn ascent of Nanga Parbat in 2017 was also a historic first.
A Warm Welcome at TIA and Beyond
Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, Mt Everest Summiteers Club Rolwaling, Imagine Nepal Treks, and other organizations welcomed Mingma G with garlands and flowers at TIA. Friends and family joined in applauding his achievements, celebrating his incredible contributions to mountaineering and Nepal’s global reputation.
The President of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, Tulsingh Gurung, described Mingma G’s achievements as unparalleled, stating, “This is a proud moment for Nepal’s mountaineering community.”
Later in the day, a special felicitation event was held at Aranya Boutique Hotel in Mingma G’s honor. Guests praised his leadership, resilience, and pioneering spirit as an IFMGA-certified guide and mountaineering legend.
An Inspiration to the World
Mingma G Sherpa, who operates Imagine Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd, holds numerous records, including the highest number of ascents of Manaslu without oxygen. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of mountaineering continues to inspire climbers around the globe. As Nepal celebrates this momentous occasion, Mingma G’s legacy serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Himalayan people.
