Nirmal Purja, who popularly goes by the name Nims or Nimsdai, was born in Nepal on July 25, 1983. He is a British-Nepali renowned figure in the world of mountain trekking who previously served in the British Army with the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Special Boat Service (SBS) of the Royal Navy. He has made his mark by setting numerous records and achieving feats that were once deemed impossible, such as ascending to the top of all 14 eight-thousanders in a record time, peaks above 8,000 meters, in just six months and six days, using bottled oxygen. This achievement was a record until 2023 when Kristin Harila and Tenjen Sherpa completed the same feat in 92 days. Purja made history by reaching the summits of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu within 48 hours. In 2021, he led a team of nine Nepalese climbers to complete the first winter ascent of K2. Born in the village of Dana in Nepal’s Myagdi District near Dhaulagiri, at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Purja’s family moved to the Chitwan District near Kathmandu when he was four years old. His father was a Gurkha soldier, and his mother came from a farming background. Despite facing financial and social challenges due to their different Nepalese castes, Purja’s family struggled. Purja recalled his humble beginnings, saying his family was very poor and he didn’t even have flip-flops as a child. His older brothers, who were Gurkha soldiers, supported him in attending an English-speaking boarding school. During his education, Purja excelled in kickboxing and later pursued a postgraduate diploma in security management at Loughborough University.
Nims thrives on challenging himself, whether it’s following his brothers’ footsteps by joining a Gurkha unit to prove his strength, becoming the first Gurkha to be accepted into an elite British Special Forces unit for underwater missions, or partaking in secret operations like a real-life Jason Bourne. Despite facing limitations on revealing certain details due to British Ministry of Defense regulations, Nims remains undeterred in his pursuit of extraordinary goals, even if it means risking everything and diverting from a secure military retirement path. His extreme mountaineering adventures push the limits of human potential, with record-breaking accomplishments that defy skeptics and inspire awe. The narrative of Nimsdai is one characterized by relentless determination, unwavering commitment, and an unyielding spirit that thrives on surpassing boundaries and exceeding expectations.
Purja hails from Magar ancestry and was brought up in the Hindu faith. He is wed to Suchi Purja, who is the daughter of a Gurkha soldier, and they currently reside in Hampshire. In 2023, he received an honorary degree from Loughborough University in recognition of his exceptional military service and his accomplishments as a mountaineer with multiple world records.
In the list below, we highlight all of Purja’s ascents of eight-thousander peaks in his glittering mountaineering career:
- Mount Everest (8848 m) 13 May 2016, 15 May 2017, 27 May 2017, 22 May 2019, 31 May 2021, 15 May 2022
- K2 (8611 m) 24 July 2019, 16 January 2021, 22 July 2022
- Kangchenjunga (8586 m) 15 May 2019, 7 May 2022
- Lhotse (8516 m) 27 May 2017, 22 May 2019, 16 May 2022
- Makalu (8485 m) 1 June 2017, 24 May 2019
- Cho Oyu (8188 m) 23 September 2019
- Dhaulagiri (8167 m) 18 May 2014, 12 May 2019, 8 October 2021
- Manaslu (8163 m) 27 September 2019, 27 September 2021
- Nanga Parbat (8125 m) 3 July 2019
- Annapurna (8091 m) 23 April 2019, 15 April 2024
- Gasherbrum I (8080 m) 15 July 2019
- Broad Peak (8051 m) 26 July 2019
- Gasherbrum II (8034 m) 18 July 2019
- Shishapangma (8027 m) 29 October 2019
Military career (2003–18)
Purja became a member of the Brigade of Gurkhas in 2003 and was later accepted into the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Service in 2009, making history as the first Gurkha to join this prestigious British unit. His role in the Special Boat Service specialized in cold-weather warfare. Due to Ministry of Defence regulations, Purja is unable to discuss his specific duties in the SBS, however, he mentioned being present in all of Britain’s battle zones, recollecting a close call where a sniper bullet narrowly missed his neck. In 2018, he declined an unexpected offer to join the Special Air Services, opting to step down as a Lance Corporal from the SBS to fully concentrate on his mountaineering efforts. At the time of his departure, Purja was playing a significant role in caring for his family while serving in the armed forces and willingly gave up his army pension, a sum he referred to as “life-changing.”
Spread around Ama Dablam, the majestic 22,349-foot peak often referred to as the Matterhorn of the Himalayas, lies a village of approximately 65 tents. These tents were set up by his guiding company, Elite Exped, in a move that demonstrates Nims’s ambitious nature. His goal is not just to set mountaineering records but to also create a lucrative business venture using his fame as one of the world’s most renowned climbers. What sets Nims apart is his intention to disrupt the traditional norms of the Himalayan guiding industry by ensuring that the Sherpa guides receive a fair share of the rewards. Nims, a 39-year-old from Nepal, has impeccable athletic abilities that he has honed over the years. Bearing a thin moustache, almond-shaped eyes, and sleek black hair, he has garnered fame among the world’s top climbers. Ever since his groundbreaking feat of conquering all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks within a mere six months and six days, Nims has been making headlines. Following this accomplishment, his popularity skyrocketed with the release of his book, “Beyond Possible,” and the Netflix documentary, “14 Peaks, Nothing is Impossible” solidifying his position as a climbing icon. Now, Nims is focused on reshaping the Himalayan guiding industry, with a particular emphasis on empowering the Sherpa guides. In his expeditions, he is redefining what it means to be a mountaineer in the era of influencers. The journey from the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, situated above 11,000 feet, to Elite Exped’s tent city takes about three days of trekking through the Khumbu Valley in Nepal. Elite Exped, co-owned by Nims and his Sherpa business partners, Mingma David and Mingma Tenzi, distinguishes itself from the other outfitters with designated areas and signs prohibiting unauthorized entry, reminiscent of the exclusive setups seen at Burning Man. Nims, known for being in the midst of significant events, gained international attention through the viral photo he captured of the congestion of climbers near Mount Everest’s summit in 2019. His heroic efforts in rescuing fellow climbers further solidified his reputation as a remarkable figure in the climbing community.
In the year 2021, Nirmal Purja, known as Nims, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first person to conquer K2 in winter without the use of supplemental oxygen. He exudes a sense of self-assuredness that seems to defy the challenges posed by the mountains. However, there is contemplation on the consequences if a fatality were to occur. Nims perceives himself as carrying more than just the burden of ensuring the safety of his team. The name ‘Nimsdai’ resonates throughout Kathmandu like a beacon amidst the cosmic noise. It stands out prominently, appearing on the hood of a custom-made white Land Rover that greeted visitors at Tribhuvan airport. The same name was emblazoned over a modern shopping complex that arose between the devastating 2015 earthquake and the subsequent pandemic in Nepal. Nimsdai symbolizes the essence of mountaineering, reflected in the Himalayan climber community’s conversations about Nirmal Purja. He is affectionately called “Brother Nims,” a moniker signifying the familial and revered status he holds. Nims’ transformation from a barefoot Magar child living near the Indian border to a member of the renowned Gurkhas and ultimately achieving a place in the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Service is a testament to his indomitable will. Nims’ persona exudes confidence and charisma, often likened to iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali and Neil Armstrong. His motivational slogans are pervasive, adorning everything from daily accessories to expedition gear worn by his clients. His autobiographical book and Netflix documentary have garnered widespread acclaim, further solidifying his position in the mountaineering world. Despite criticisms and controversies, Nims’ bold approach and relentless drive have propelled him to the forefront of Nepal’s climbing community. With a magnetic pull that transcends borders, he has secured a dedicated following and a legion of detractors, each contributing to the ongoing debate about his legacy in high-altitude mountaineering.
Arriving at Namche Bazaar, perched atop a hillside overlooking the meeting point of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Koshi rivers, presents a breathtaking sight. With Ama Dablam, a majestic granite peak known as “mother’s necklace,” adorned with a shimmering pendant of ice at its peak, the landscape is truly awe-inspiring. In the distance, the mighty Everest stands tall at 29,032 feet, a monumental pyramid-shaped presence. The Sherpas refer to Everest as Chomolungma, and its sheer height allows it to reach into the sky, creating a distinctive rooster tail in the stratosphere, almost as if it’s reaching out into space itself. As you walk along the dusty trails that wind through these towering mountains, the sheer magnitude of their size is overwhelming. Peaks like Thamserku, Taboche, and Cholatse seem to follow you as you traverse the terrain. The path feels never-ending, like a treadmill with no end in sight. While many of us can only gaze in wonder at the Himalayan peaks, some climbers are drawn to their challenge like a magnet. Considered the tallest 14 peaks in the world, these mountains are categorized as the 8,000’ers, with heights surpassing 8,000 meters where the thin air makes it impossible for the human body to adapt. Among these daunting peaks in the Nepal-Tibet-Pakistan region, it was on the Death Zone peaks that Nims first made his mark. Divided by international borders, these peaks include Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga, Everest, and others in Nepal, as well as peaks in the Pakistani Karakoram like Nanga Parbat and K2. Climbing began for Nims in 2012 at the age of 29, and he made headlines in 2019 by summiting all 14 Death Zone peaks in an astonishing six months and six days. His remarkable achievement, known as Project Possible, defied expectations and shattered previous records of climbing such peaks over a more extended period. Nims’ extraordinary accomplishments were captured in a film released on Netflix in 2021, propelling him and his Sherpa team to social media stardom. By mid-2022, Nims had amassed over 2 million followers on Instagram, catering to a high-profile clientele that includes billionaires and even a Qatari princess. His feats in the Himalayas have not only captivated the climbing world but have also brought unprecedented international attention to Elite Exped, the company he founded to facilitate such epic expeditions.
When Nims became popular on social media, climbers were unsure how to categorize him in the climbing world. While some recognized his significant accomplishments, others were critical of his use of bottled oxygen and fixed ropes, as well as the assistance of his team of Sherpas. Legendary climber Krzysztof Wielicki described Nims’s achievement as more of a statistical milestone rather than a groundbreaking feat in alpine climbing history. However, Nims’s innovation in attempting the 14 peaks in 189 days is something that had never been done before. It was not just about speed, but also about changing the way people view these mountains. His approach, dubbed “Nims style,” is a unique combination of alpinism and speed climbing that has inspired others to attempt similar feats. Nims’s accomplishment may not fit traditional definitions of climbing difficulty, but it has certainly created a new narrative in the climbing world that is captivating and inspiring to audiences, both climbers and non-climbers alike.
One individual greatly impacted by Nims’s groundbreaking achievement was a vibrant, 36-year-old skier and runner from Norway, Kristin Harila, sporting dreadlocked hair. Despite not having tackled any 8,000-meter peaks prior to 2021, she made the bold decision to surpass Nims’s record last year. After securing sponsors and enlisting a manager, she received guidance from Sherpas Dawa Ongju and Pasdawa. By late September, with 12 peaks conquered, Harila was ahead of Nims, until the Chinese government denied her permits for Shishapangma and Cho Oyu. This setback, due to logistics, marked the end of her attempt. She plans to make another go at it in 2023. Nims’s accomplishments have stirred inspiration in some, yet his distinct communication style tends to agitate critics. In both his written work and on screen, Nims often resorts to using catchy one-liners and aphorisms as if his life were scripted. During an early rescue depicted in 14 Peaks, he emphatically declares, “Giving up is not in the blood!”, which has become his trademark phrase, even featured on a T-shirt. His bold claims, which are challenging to validate, often lead to scepticism among those hearing his tales. Disgruntled by reporters questioning his version of events or bypassing him for information about his expeditions, Nims has lashed out at them. Explorersweb, a dedicated online journal focused on mountaineering, has made attempts to fact-check Nims’s assertions, prompting his defensive responses. Nims’s firm grip on his narrative means that he ends up as the sole source of information on his ventures of daring. Consider, for example, the incident in Afghanistan where Nims claimed to have been shot by a sniper. Details in his book, Beyond Possible, paint a vivid picture of the event, only to reveal that the bullet actually struck his rifle, leaving him unscathed. Despite the lack of visible scars, Nims’s embellishment of the story seems too elaborate for reality, akin to a scene from a Western where a sheriff’s badge deflects a bullet.
Nims’s tale is packed with thrilling moments. For instance, he once challenged himself as a child by swimming across a river near Chitwan, only to realize he had no energy left to swim back – a scene reminiscent of the movie Gattaca. Another time, he discovered he was out of shape at Annapurna and started training with boulders, resembling a scene from Rocky IV. However, concerns arise about adventurers who focus too much on their image, much like the infamous incident involving Colin O’Brady from Olympia, Washington. In 2018, O’Brady claimed to be the first person to solo and unsupported cross Antarctica but was later criticized for exaggerating the challenges while ignoring the accomplishments of others like Norwegian Børge Ousland. After receiving a glowing review in The New York Times, O’Brady faced backlash from National Geographic and The New Yorker for his portrayal. O’Brady’s book, The Impossible First, begins with a suspenseful account similar to Nims’s ordeal on Nanga Parbat as depicted in Beyond Possible. These gripping personal stories, although unrelated, belong to a genre that values Guinness World Record certificates and lacks modesty. However, Nims has a secret weapon: the legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who is considered the ultimate authority in the world of high-altitude achievements. Messner supports Nims and recognizes his remarkable feats as unparalleled in mountain climbing history.
If we want to clearly understand the mindset of adventure enthusiasts, we must acknowledge that achieving the impossible excites them. This concept is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs about masculinity and achievement. The challenge arises from the fact that many major feats deemed impossible in the past have now been conquered due to advanced training and equipment. Consequently, adventurers continuously look for new ways to push their limits and break new ground in uncharted territories. This thirst for fresh challenges led to the creation of the Seven Summits concept, which involves scaling the tallest peak on each continent, originated by Texas businessman Dick Bass in 1985. Reinhold Messner further fueled this trend with his 1987 book chronicling his 16-year journey scaling all 14 of the world’s tallest mountains over 8,000 meters. The ambition behind projects like these may be impressive, but they sometimes face criticism for lacking originality. When faced with such feedback, some adventurers, like Nims, respond by setting their sights on even more audacious goals. In Nims’ case, he aimed to tackle one of mountaineering’s most elusive achievements: ascending K2 in winter, a goal that has eluded even the most skilled climbers since its first attempt in 1987. Standing at 8,611 meters, just slightly shorter than Everest, K2’s harsh conditions during the winter months make it an incredibly challenging ascent. The Karakoram region’s extreme weather means that climbers face similar atmospheric conditions to those found on Everest during January, making the challenge of scaling K2 during this time truly monumental.
Teams had been pursuing the elusive winter ascent of K2 for many years, but the challenges of 2021 were especially difficult due to the pandemic. Nims found himself in the position of needing to gather a new team, as some Sherpas had left after Project Possible. However, Nims was fortunate to have his loyal right-hand man, Mingma David, still by his side. Another Sherpa named Geljen was also eager to join the expedition. Nims had initially hoped to delay the climb until after the release of a Netflix movie in November, but it seemed that the winter of 2021 would be the year for the attempt. Nearly 100 climbers were preparing to tackle the Karakoram, leaving the future of K2 uncertain. Mingma David enlisted the help of his skilled friend Mingma Tenzi, who had an impressive record of nearly thirty successful climbs of 8,000-meter peaks. Additionally, the team included Pemchhiri and Dawa Temba, experienced international guides with about twenty ascents of Everest between them. Accompanied by two cooks, a group of Pakistani porters, and their base camp manager, the team departed from Skardu, Pakistan, on December 21, 2020. Prior to their departure, Nims warned reporters not to speculate about their plans from the comfort of their homes. Through Instagram, he stated that their true intentions would remain a secret unless he chose to reveal them. Nims’ team for the K2 expedition was predominantly made up of Sherpas, continuing the tradition of past climbing crews. Since the earliest British Everest expedition in 1922, Sherpas have been relied upon by Westerners for their support. The unique aspect of Nims’ expedition was that it involved Sherpas climbing without direct Western supervision, a significant departure from the norm. Although Sherpas are widely respected for their physical and mental strength, dedication, and knack for helping foreign climbers conquer massive peaks, their individual achievements often get overlooked in favour of a more generalized view. Their incredible feats are sometimes reduced to supposedly innate abilities developed for coping with their high-altitude homeland.
The Sherpa people originally migrated to the Khumbu region from Tibet roughly 600 years ago. They speak their own language, which has no written form, leading to a lack of traditional Sherpa writings or historical records, with their history being passed down through oral traditions. Living in a small community, they grew potatoes on terraced fields in what is considered some of the most challenging farmland on the planet. Like many in Nepal, Sherpas use the surname Sherpa, and first names are often based on days of the week – for example, Dawa, Mingma, Lakpa, Phurba, Pasang, Pemba, Ngima, making a phone book for Sherpas essentially redundant. Mingma Gyabu Sherpa rose to fame on the 2016 Travel Channel show Everest Air after completing 52 rescues in one season at just 27 years old. His story mirrors that of many climbing Sherpas in Nepal. Mingma David, born in 1989 in Lelep, Taplejung district near Kanchenjunga, started as a porter at 17, carrying heavy trekking bags for meagre pay. Despite his slight build of just 120 pounds, he worked tirelessly to earn a living. Moving to Manaslu base camp in 2009, he continued to work as a kitchen helper before undergoing training in Kathmandu at age 21. Climbing Everest for the first time with the assistance of gear provided by a local outfitter, Mingma David went on to guide and successfully reached the summit with a client. It was in 2016 that Mingma David crossed paths with Nims, a military climber, although they didn’t climb together until 2018. This encounter marked a turning point in Mingma David’s journey, taking him away from the typical Sherpa path.
During that period, Sherpas earned approximately $6,000 each climbing season on Mount Everest. This figure has increased slightly in recent years. When Nims entered the guiding industry, he started paying his top guides up to $70,000 annually, which is more aligned with the wages of foreign guides. Additionally, Nims offered Mingma David, and later Mingma Tenzi, a combined 25 percent stake in Elite Exped. Sherpas in Nepal are already prosperous according to local standards. The tourism sector, predicted to generate over $300 million in 2024, has always been a significant contributor to the country’s economy. However, earning upwards of six figures can be truly transformative. It’s worth noting that Nims, despite not being a Sherpa himself, is a British citizen. Nepal does not allow dual citizenship, a point highlighted even by The New York Times. Some view this as an unfair attempt to diminish Nims’ background, given his success in the UK before transitioning to the climbing community. When asked if he identifies as a Sherpa, Nims affirms, arguing that Sherpa is more of a brand than a caste. This distinction stems from the colonial era’s practice of grouping all porters on early British Himalayan expeditions under the label “sherpa,” regardless of their actual ethnicity. The term, when written in lowercase, still carries connotations of a job designation, including those guiding U.S. Supreme Court nominees through confirmation processes. Remarkably, many of the historical sherpas on British expeditions were individuals from various ethnic groups, including the one Nims himself belonged to.
In Ed Douglas’s biography of Tenzing Norgay, he highlights the renown of the Sherpa people, describing them as the most well-known mountain tribe globally with a significant advantage over other ethnic groups in Nepal. Douglas also mentions how neighbouring tribes would adopt the name ‘Sherpa’ in hopes of improving their job prospects. Nims, who shares this perspective, sees this more as a part of history rather than appropriation. He acknowledges the historical significance of other tribes, such as the Magar and Tamang, who have also contributed to climbing history alongside the British expeditions and Sherpas. Mingma Tenzi, the director of Elite Expeditions, is an accomplished mountaineer with nearly thirty successful ascents of 8,000-meter peaks to his name. When Nims and his team arrived at K2 Base Camp in late December 2020, they found a congested area with several teams and commercial clients preparing for a challenging expedition. Despite the crowds, Nims defined his identity as an underdog even though he had already achieved significant success. The winter ascent of Everest by Krzysztof Wielicki in 1980 using bottled oxygen received recognition without any doubts surrounding his achievement. In contrast, Ang Rita Sherpa’s quiet winter ascent of Everest in 1987, guiding a Korean climber, went relatively unnoticed despite his reputation as one of the most skilled high-altitude climbers of his time. Ang Rita passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of selfless support to others in the mountaineering community. Nims faced scepticism from his detractors, who questioned his methods and control of the narrative, especially after the unfortunate deaths of five climbers on the mountain. Some speculated that Nims’s team had cut the fixed ropes to prevent others from following, but Nims maintained his silence. However, when climbers returned the following summer, they found the Sherpas’ ropes still intact, ensuring the safety of those who had lost their lives on the mountain.
When Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler completed the first ascent of Everest without oxygen in 1978, they did so in record time. While Tenzing Norgay was sceptical of their achievement, as climbers on oxygen typically take longer to reach the top, some experts suspected that Messner and Habeler may have taken small doses of oxygen intermittently during their climb. Nims, on the other hand, faces different challenges on his quest for success, aside from the dangers of falling into a crevasse. Amidst his high-stakes expeditions, he is surrounded by the allure of attractive influencers in his camp, nightly rum-fueled dance parties, and the pressure of rapidly growing his outfitter business. The allure of the lifestyle he leads may lead him to believe in his own legend, much like Tenzing Norgay did in his later years. Although Nims’ journey is distinct from Tenzing Norgay’s, the latter climber’s experience post-Everest success serves as a cautionary tale. Tenzing was unprepared for the global fame that followed his historic climb in 1953. While revered by millions, he struggled with loneliness and alcoholism later in life, showcasing the challenges that come with such fame. In recent months, Nims has faced a series of unfortunate events, starting with a tragic fire that claimed the lives of three of his staff members. Additionally, while training for his skydiving school, Nims experienced a fatal accident involving another professional, causing him to reflect on the risks he takes in his extreme endeavours. Despite the tragedies he has endured, Nims remains resolute in his pursuit of adventure. Having witnessed death firsthand in his career, he views mortality differently than most, understanding that death is inevitable from the moment we are born. He is determined not to let setbacks or casualties deter him from his purpose.
Nimsdai’s first Kilimanjaro summit with Elite Exped
Nimsdai made the spontaneous decision to take a short break in Africa and challenge himself by hiking to 5,895 meters (19,308 ft). While most would find this task daunting, Nims took it as a casual day trip. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is typically climbed over 6-8 days. However, Nimsdai saw this as an opportunity to complete the ascent in just a few hours, skipping the usual acclimatization process. Additionally, Nims had a passion for paragliding and planned to descend from the summit in that thrilling manner. On August 25, 2022, Nimsdai began his journey at the Mweka gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. He travelled light, swiftly but without overexerting himself. Meanwhile, a team set up camp at Kosovo with tents, food, and paragliding gear. Due to poor weather forecasts, the paragliding plan was uncertain. Late in the evening, Nims reached Kosovo camp, only a short distance from Stella Point and the summit. Amidst conversations with guides and porters, Nimsdai shared his admiration for the Tanzanian people and their resilience. He was particularly impressed by how well his team supported him during the climb. As night set in, Nims pressed on towards Stella Point and ultimately Uhuru Peak. Cloudy skies dashed his hopes of paragliding but didn’t dampen his sense of accomplishment. At dawn, Nims reached Uhuru Peak and opted out of the usual celebration, choosing a more low-key approach. Given the unfavourable weather conditions, he reluctantly decided to descend on foot instead of paragliding. Despite this setback, Nims was determined to return to Africa and undertake a new project on Kilimanjaro. After a challenging but rewarding journey, he concluded the adventure at the Mweka gate, where he was warmly greeted by fans and park officials.
Project Possible 14/7
Nims Purja Dai has been an outdoorsy person since he was a child. He began his journeys by resting in the cool shade of the massive Himalayan mountains, then he slowly made his way towards the north, facing the challenge of climbing the mountains without the use of oxygen or other necessary gear. Alongside fellow trekkers from different countries, he took part in Project Possible 14/7, which involved reaching 14 additional mountain peaks in just seven months. He successfully conquered Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, Nanga Parbat, and Ghasebrum in three phases. Nirmal Purja also set several mountain-climbing records between 2019 and 2020, breaking the record for the fastest ascent of mountains over 8000 meters in the summer. Additionally, he surpassed his previous record by climbing Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse in less than 48 hours. His life peaked in May 2019 when he attempted Project Possible 14/7 and his story made headlines in the New York Times. Another highlight was his winter trek up Mount K2 with a group of international climbers, which provided a thrilling and challenging adventure for him.
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible
14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible is a documentary film released in 2021, helmed by director Torquil Jones with production credits going to Noah Media Group, Little Monster Films, and Torquil Jones himself. Notable figures such as Nirmal Purja, Jimmy Chin, and Elizabeth Vasarhelyi serve as executive producers for the movie. The storyline showcases the journey of Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja and his team as they strive to conquer all 14 eight-thousander peaks in under seven months, setting a remarkable new record. Featuring raw expedition footage captured by the team, the film also includes post-production additions like interviews with legendary figures such as Reinhold Messner and other renowned high-altitude mountaineers, as well as insights from Purja’s family members. Premiering at the DOC NYC Film Festival, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible made its Netflix debut on 29 November 2021.
CAAN restricts Nims Purja from skydiving in the Everest region
Renowned climber Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja, who led an unauthorized helicopter landing at Everest High Camp recently, has encountered a new obstacle from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The aviation regulator has declined to grant him a permit for skydiving in the Everest region. A group of foreigners and the Nimsdai Skydive organizers have arrived at Namche Bazaar to prepare for the exhilarating adventure in the Everest region. “CAAN has rejected permission for Nimsdai Skydive to do a jaw-dropping 23,000ft free fall above the mountainous terrain,” confirmed sources from CAAN. In 2024, Nims had planned to start his skydiving event in the Everest region from May 25 – 29, 2024. The team was set to take a helicopter ride above 23,000 ft on Mt Everest and land at Syangboche, the drop zone perched at an impressive 12,400 ft, as shared by the organizers.CAAN officials emphasized that aviation safety is a significant concern. “In case an aircraft is involved in any activities, it falls under CAAN’s purview,” an official stated. “For instance, if jumpers or gliders face issues post jumping from the chopper, who will be accountable for the outcomes?” the official raised. CAAN issues air operator certificates to operators with a commitment to adhere to and maintain flight operations following the AOC requirements, aligning with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Authority’s Annexes. Without specific regulations for such adventure sports, CAAN cannot approve Nims to carry out skydiving in the Everest region, the official mentioned. “There is a necessity to establish specific rules for specialized operations, referring to any operation outside of commercial air transport where the aircraft is utilized for special activities like agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation, patrol, and aerial advertisement,” the official added. In November last year, 12 skydivers, including world champion Espen Fadnes and Nims himself, parachuted in the Everest region. “How they managed to get CAAN’s clearance to soar in the Eurocopter AS350 at that time remains a mystery,” remarked an official. Records show that Nims, along with other participants such as Kevin Thomas McNally, Micheal Andrew French, Danielle Hunt, and others, engaged in the Nimsdai Skydive event last year. This time, over 10 jumpers, including Nims and Brazilian skydiver Luiza Ferrari, were planning to jump from the helicopter using their Nimsdai canopies, as per sources.
DoT expresses serious concern over Nims Purja’s Everest video claim, announces legal investigation
The Department of Tourism (DoT) of Nepal is deeply concerned about the recent statement and video message regarding Mt. Everest that was shared by renowned climber Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja on social media. The department has also announced that legal action will be taken against Purja and others for spreading false information in an attempt to gain popularity. On May 26, Nims posted a video alleging that ropes near the summit of Everest above the balcony area had been cut to prevent him from reaching the summit. This video quickly spread online, sparking immediate but critical responses from the global mountaineering community. In a press release issued on Monday, the DoT revealed that despite Nirmal Purja’s claims, a group of climbers from Pioneer Adventures Pvt. Ltd. successfully reached the summit of Everest after his video was published. The DoT confirmed that the team reached the summit at 12:45 am that day and discovered that the rope was intact, contradicting Purja’s allegations. In the video message, Purja and Babu Sherpa from Peak Promotion also mentioned that the dead body management team of the expedition company had to abandon their mission due to the rope being cut. Following an emergency meeting of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal), the DoT reassured that there were no issues with the ropes on Everest and expressed worries about statements that could damage Nepal’s mountaineering tourism reputation. The DoT emphasized that there were no problems with rope fixing on Everest and that the spring season for Everest expeditions had concluded successfully. They called on all climbers to proceed with their ascent confidently, relying on accurate information provided by the Expedition Monitoring and Facilitation Field Office, Department of Tourism, and liaison officers to avoid spreading misinformation.
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