Sherpa, who has already set multiple records, aims to "inspire a new generation and redefine mountaineering." His final challenge, the Shishapangma in Tibet, is scheduled for next month, pending the necessary permit from Chinese authorities.

Completing the 14 'eight-thousanders' is considered the ultimate challenge in the mountaineering world. Reinhold Messner of Italy was the first to achieve this in 1986, and only 40 climbers have matched this feat since then. These peaks are spread across the Himalayas and the Karakoram range, which span Nepal, China, India, and Pakistan.

Reaching these summits involves ascending into the "death zone," where oxygen levels are critically low. "When I am climbing, there's always the risk of death. You need to be fully aware of the value of your life," Sherpa explains. Sherpa credits his calm and composed approach to the lessons learned from his mountaineering experiences. "Mentally, I’ve trained myself... When faced with avalanches, severe weather, or accidents, I stay calm and don’t panic," he adds.

A Legacy of Climbing Excellence

Sherpa belongs to the Sherpa ethnic group, renowned for their mountaineering skills. His uncle, Mingma Gyabu 'David' Sherpa, holds the record for being the youngest climber to complete the 'eight-thousanders,' achieving this in 2019 at the age of 30.

His father, Tashi Sherpa, grew up in the remote Sankhuwasabha district, initially tending yaks before starting his mountaineering career as a teenager with his siblings. Today, his brothers run Seven Summit Treks, Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company. "I come from a fortunate background," Tashi Sherpa says, "but climbing has taught me about hardships and the true value of life."

Growing up in Kathmandu, Nima initially had different interests. "My entire family is involved in mountaineering. Although I was always around it, I never intended to become a climber," he recalls. Instead, he preferred football and had a passion for film and photography.

It was only two years ago that Sherpa shifted his focus from photography to climbing, and his achievements have been extraordinary. In August 2022, he became the youngest climber to reach the summit of Mount Manaslu (8,163 metres) at just 16 years old. His latest record was set in June when he summited Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain, again as the youngest climber. "The mountains have taught me invaluable lessons about nature, the human body, and human psychology. Everything I know about the world, I’ve learned from climbing," Sherpa says.

Inspiring the Next Generation

When not climbing, Sherpa stays fit with daily treadmill workouts and maintains a disciplined diet, avoiding junk food. "To climb a major peak, you need to be both physically and mentally prepared," his father advises. "He will serve as an inspiration for those new to mountaineering," adds Tashi Sherpa.

Nepalese guides, especially those from the Sherpa ethnic group, are central to the mountaineering industry in the Himalayas. They handle the heavy lifting, from carrying equipment to fixing ropes and repairing ladders. While Sherpas have often been overshadowed by their foreign clients —climbing Everest can cost over $45,000— Nepalese climbers are increasingly gaining recognition for their own achievements. "I wish mountaineering could be considered a professional sport," Sherpa states.

His role model is Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first person to summit Everest alongside Sir Edmund Hillary. For Sherpa, Norgay represents mountaineering in the same way that football stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo represent their sport.

Having observed the impacts of climate change and the commercialization of climbing, Sherpa advocates for a sustainable approach. "Initially, I climbed for myself. Now, I see that mountain sports can significantly benefit and support the community in various ways," concludes the young climber.