Nirmal Purja “Nims”: Redefining Limits with 14 Peaks Adventure
Amrit K. AryalDo you remember when Nirmal Purja made a world record by sequentially climbing the world’s highest 14 peaks within seven months? Well, he has challenged himself this time!
The adventurer, also known as Nims Purja or Nims Dai, has set a new milestone by climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks without supplementary oxygen in just two years, four months, and 28 days. The eight-thousanders within the Himalayas and Karakoram Mountain ranges are considered the “death zones” where life cannot exist. It was already a significant achievement to attempt the climb within such a short period.
Again, in 2024, “Nims Dai” redefined the boundary of human endurance in mountaineering, breaking other records and becoming a global icon for adventurers and trekking enthusiasts. This record was set after his ascent of Shishapangma on October 4th, 2024. He set this record with his nine team members, each gaining new records.
Read the article to learn more about Nims Purja and how he is redefining the limits of mountain climbing.
Nirmal Purja: Getting into Mountaineering
Records after records!
That’s how Nirmal Purja is known among the adventurers. However, this isn’t how your favorite “Nims Dai” saw himself as a teenager. Born on July 25, 1983, in the Myagdi District of Nepal, he started in an esteemed Brigade of Gurkhas in the British Army. The brigade is known for recruiting noble soldiers from Nepal.
He wanted more and soon became a member of the UK Special Forces (UKSF), specializing in anti-terrorism and high-risk missions. After serving in the British Army for 16 years and with only six years to go for a full pension, he wanted to find the purpose of his life.
At this point in his life, destiny had a different plan. Mountaineering started as a passion and was now about to be the mainstream identity of the man who once was a classified special force of the British Army.
Understanding his true call, Nims resigned from his job and started training himself for the expedition.
Record-breaking Ascents of Nims Purja
Nirmal Purja’s achievement in climbing all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just 189 days is remarkable. His initiative, dubbed “Project Possible,” shattered the previous record of 7 years and 10 months held by Kim Chang-Ho, a South Korean mountaineer.
Again, in 2024, within just two years, he summited all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen, an accomplishment that earned him a place in mountaineering history.
The Latest Records of Nims Dai
Continuing his pursuit of mountains, Nims celebrated his 50th summit to the eight-thousanders with a climb of Shishapangma in just five days. The iconic adventurer also holds the record for the greatest number of summits over 8,000 m, 41 out of 41!
However, it wasn’t just him who made the records this time. The adventurers took a team of accomplished climbers to make records to add their entire team to the list of prestigious mountaineers.
You can find the list of the team members and their achievements in the latest record-breaking ascent:
- Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja: (Fastest 14 Peaks without supplemental oxygen and 50 summits of 8,000-meter mountains.
- Tejan Gurung: The first person from the Gurung community to complete the 14 Peaks.
- Pasang Tendi Sherpa: Completed 14 Peaks
- Mingma Gyalje Sherpa: Completed 14 Peaks without supplemental oxygen.
- Dawa Gyalje Sherpa: 14 Peaks Summit.
- Dawa Yangzum Sherpa: First Nepali female to ascend all 14 8,000-meter peaks.
- Nima Rinji Sherpa: Youngest person to climb all 14 of the 8,000-meter peaks.
- Pasang Nurbu Sherpa: Completed 14 Peaks
- Mingtemba Sherpa: Completed 14 Peaks.
Life Beyond the Ascent
The ascent to 14 peaks is the infamous record-breaking achievement of Nims Purja that we know of. But his achievements go beyond these peaks!
Purja is the only mountaineer to scale all 14 of these peaks with and without supplemental oxygen, completing them. Purja’s effort has redefined what’s possible in thin air, inspiring climbers and adventurers worldwide. His journey highlights the evolution of mountaineering and the potential for pushing boundaries in adventure sports.
But what’s unique about this expediter is that he tells his ascent stories through publications and documentaries. Such an activity is indeed making him the public’s favorite, but it also introduces Nepal, his country, to a worldwide audience.
In 2020, Nims published his autobiography, Beyond Possible, in which he recalls his journey from serving in the British Special Forces to becoming a pioneer entrepreneur in mountaineering. Similarly, his documentary ‘14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible‘ is an iconic testimony in the mountaineering fraternity.
An Inspiring Story of the Journey
The story of Nirmal Purja shines a light on the Nepali mountaineering community, particularly the Sherpas, whose contributions to big mountain expeditions have often been shadowed.
Purja’s story isn’t just about a personal accomplishment or a series of records; it is a message to the world about resilience, teamwork, and the limitless potential of each person. With every climb, he shines a spotlight on the Sherpa community, who have dedicated their lives to the mountains.
His story is a powerful message to the world, emphasizing resilience, teamwork, and limitless human potential. With every summit, he celebrates Nepal’s incredible landscape and inspires trekkers worldwide to pursue their dreams, whether on the mountains or in their personal lives.
Nims Purja: A Man with the Heart of a Gem
Besides being a travel enthusiast, Nims Dai is a gem of a person. Even through his movies, books, and stories, he has always tried to ensure that people behind the scenes get the credit for their share. He also mentioned in his film that every Sherpa who assists the voyagers and every porter who travels along with the trekkers deserves appreciation.
After the expeditions, he dedicated his achievements to his family, the Sherpa community, and those who have lost their lives pursuing similar climbs. He reckons Anna Gutu and Mingmar Sherpa, who tragically passed away in 2023 due to avalanches on Shishapangma.
Being Inspired by Nirmal Purja: Voyage to the Himalayas
Why Choose Nepal for Your Adventure? People who know Nims Purja and his journey need no explanation for this million-dollar question. However, if you still have doubts, let’s clear them out for you.
Nepal is more than just a destination for mountaineers; it’s a utopia for different levels of trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers. Whether you’re thrusting Chomolungma or walking along scenic trails with majestic views of peaks, Nepal offers an incredible aesthetic experience. From the spiritual heart of the Himalayas to the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the Nepali people, the country welcomes all who seek adventure.
Nims’ story isn’t just about accomplishing the highest points on Earth; it resonates with people worldwide who dream of standing atop the world’s most majestic peaks. Nepal, home to Everest, Annapurna, and many other high mountains, offers adventurers a rare chance to follow in the footsteps of legends like Nirmal Purja.
For travelers and trekking enthusiasts worldwide, Nepal and stories like Nims Dai’s represent the ultimate trip, both outward to explore the world’s marvelous peaks and inward to discover one’s strength and potential.
Join the Club of Records.
Are you ready to take your first step on this adventure after reading about the inspiring journey of Nirmal “Nims” Purja? We’re here to help you achieve your dream.
The different adventure packages in Nepal include trekking, whether it’s the classic Everest Base Camp route or the more serene paths around Annapurna Circuit. We invite you to experience the rugged beauty of the Himalayas and the rich culture of the mountain communities that have thrilled the world for centuries.
Reach out to Awesome Holidays Nepal and choose a package that fits your interests. We are more than happy to be a part of your unique journey.
Keep exploring!
FAQs
Expand AllIs Nirmal Purja still alive?
Yes, Nirmal Purja is still alive and living a pretty healthy life.
Who is Nirmal Purja?
Nirmal Purja is the Nepal-born British mountaineer who has a record for climbing all 14 tallest peaks in the world in the shortest time. Before being a legendary mountaineer, he served in the British army. He is also known as Nims Dai, a former British Gurkha and UK Special Forces soldier. He has a record of summiting all 14 eight-thousanders within seven months.
What is Nimsdai famous for?
Nims Dai is famous for the movie “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.” It is a documentary on how Nims Dai climbed all fourteen peaks of the world.
Did Nims really climb 14 peaks?
Yes, Nirmal Purja, aka “Nims Dai,” climbed all 14 of the tallest peaks of the world within the time span of 7 months.
Who climbed all 14 peaks the fastest?
Nirmal Purja climbed the 14 peaks fastest with his team of polished Sherpa expeditioners.
Is Nirmal Purja a Sherpa?
Even though Nims Purja climbed the mountains with Sherpas, he isn’t a Sherpa. He is from the Magar community, an indigenous group of people.
How old is Nirmal Purja?
Nirmal Purja will be 42 years old in July 2026.
Did Nirmal Purja use supplemental oxygen?
Yes, Nirmal Purja used supplemental oxygen above 8000 meters during his mission of Project Possible. He had previously climbed K2 without oxygen, but not as part of Project Possible.
Who funded Nirmal Purja?
He started his expedition on his own by remortgaging his house but later got funded by private donors, sponsors, and Netflix. He also gathered some funds through the crowdfunding campaigns on the GoFundMe platform.
What is Nirmal Purja doing now?
Nims Dai runs an expedition company called Elite Expeditions and an NGO called the Nims Dai Foundation. He advocates for the betterment of Nepali climbers and Sherpas.
Where does Nirmal Purja live?
He was originally from Nepal but now holds UK citizenship. He splits his time between Nepal and Hampshire, UK, and dedicates much of his time to mountaineering.
How tall is Nirmal Purja?
Nirmal Purja is approximately 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) tall.
What heritage or ethnicity is Nirmal Purja?
His surname, Purja, suggests that he belongs to the Magar ethnic group, one of the indigenous groups in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Who are the major sponsors behind Nirmal Purja’s projects?
How did Nirmal Purja climb all 14 peaks in under 7 months?
It was possible only with the helicopter transfers, expert logistics, team support, and his prior experience in the UK army. His mental and physical endurance made him complete the feat in 6 months and 6 days.
What records does Nirmal Purja hold in high-altitude mountaineering?
Nirmal Purja holds the following records:
- Fastest person to climb all 14 mountains above eight thousand.
- Completed the fastest consecutive ascents of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu within 48 hours
- First person to summit K2 in winter with a Nepali team in 2021.
Is Nirmal Purja a former Special Forces soldier?
Yes, he used to serve in the UK’s Special Boat Service (SBS) before he came to mountaineering.
What military units did Nirmal Purja serve in?
Nirmal Purja has served the Gurkha Regiment in the UK and served the Special Boat Service (SBS) of the UK.
Did Netflix pay Nirmal Purja for his documentary ‘14 Peaks’?
Yes, Netflix licensed and distributed the documentary. This also helped Nirmal to finance his expedition and gave them global exposure.
How much did Nirmal Purja make from the Netflix documentary?
He has not revealed the exact figures he made, but his brand might have made over millions.
What is Nirmal Purja’s net worth?
As per an online source, his income last year was $151,006–$206,696.
Was Nirmal Purja featured in The New York Times?
Yes, Nims Dai was featured in major publications like The New York Times, BBC, National Geographic, and Outside, which have featured his story.
Has Nirmal Purja appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast?
Yes, Nirmal was invited on Joe Rogan’s show three years ago.
What is Nirmal Purja’s daily fitness and training routine?
As a mountaineer, his regular training includes cardio, high-altitude training, and mental conditioning.
What gear and equipment does Nirmal Purja use?
Nirmal Purja uses gear from various popular brands like Osprey, Thule, La Sportiva, and Bremont. He also uses the gear from his Elite Exped.
What tattoos does Nirmal Purja have, and what do they mean?
He has a large tattoo depicting all 14 eight-thousanders, signifying his record-breaking journey.
What is Nirmal Purja’s relationship with his wife, Suchi?
Nirmal Purja is married to Suchi Purja, the daughter of a Gurkha soldier, who has supported him from the beginning of the project. She’s often behind the scenes, managing logistics and family life.
What books has Nirmal Purja written?
Nirmal Purja has written “Beyond Possible: One Soldier, Fourteen Peaks- My Life in the Death Zone.”
What is ‘14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible’ about?
The 14 peaks: Nothing is Impossible is a Netflix documentary chronicling Nims Dai’s mission to summit all 14 eight-thousanders in the shortest time of 7 months. It’s about teamwork, nationalism, grit, and overcoming limits.
Where can I watch documentaries or interviews featuring Nirmal Purja?
You can watch it on Netflix and YouTube and watch interviews on various platforms like BBC, CNN, Discovery+, and mountaineering forums.
What are some famous quotes by Nirmal Purja?
- Nothing is impossible; just try harder.
- Giving up is not in the blood, sir. It’s not in the blood.
- When you have a strong mindset, you can walk over your fears.
How did Nirmal Purja’s story inspire millions around the world?
Nirmal Purja has inspired the entire industry that Nepali climbers are the best and taught them they can break stereotypes, pushing through human limits.
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