24/06/2024
Introduction to Nirmal "Nims" Purja
Nirmal "Nims" Purja, MBE, was born on July 25, 1983, in Dana, a small village in Nepal's Myagdi District, near Dhaulagiri, at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. At the age of four, his family moved to the Chitwan District near Kathmandu. Born into a financially and socially challenged background due to his parents being from different Nepalese castes, Nims grew up in a poor family and his older brothers, who were Gurkha soldiers, funded his education at an English-speaking boarding school. During his schooling, Nims excelled in kick-boxing. His upbringing reflects a journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned mountaineer and an inspiration to many.13[21]
Nirmal "Nims" Purja's Achievements and Character
Nirmal "Nims" Purja is a Nepali mountaineer who, along with nine other Nepali mountaineers, achieved the first winter ascent of K2 on January 16, 2021, marking a historic accomplishment. Notably, he was the only team member to reach the summit without using supplemental oxygen, a remarkable feat accomplished during the challenging winter conditions of K21.
Notable Achievements
Winter Ascent of K2: Nims Purja and his team successfully ascended K2 in the harsh winter conditions, making history as the first to do so. This was the first successful K2 winter expedition after numerous attempts since 19871.
Speed Record: In May 2022, Purja set a new speed record for ascending Kangchenjunga, Mount Everest, and Lhotse consecutively without oxygen, completing the challenge in 8 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes1.
Ascents of Eight-Thousanders: Purja is one of only three climbers verified to have stood on the true geographical summit of all 14 eight-thousanders1.
Personal Attributes
Upbringing: Nims Purja's upbringing reflects a journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned mountaineer. Born into a financially and socially challenged background, he overcame obstacles to achieve his remarkable feats12.