Nepali mountaineers set record, first to scale Mount K2 in winter

KATHMANDU: A team of 10 Nepali mountaineers has successfully climbed Mount K2 in Pakistan, becoming the first climbers to scale the 8,611 metres tall peak in the winter season.

The mountaineers making the first ever winter ascent are Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, Nirmal Purja, Mingma David Sherpa, Gelje Sherpa, Sona Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Kili Pemba Sherpa and Dawa Tenjing Sherpa.

They scaled the world’s second highest mountain at around 3 pm Pakistan time on Saturday. It is said Mt K2 was the last over 8,000-metre peak to have never been climbed in winter.

The 10 climbers were from three different expeditions but they decided to reach the summit together to claim the success for Nepal.

Mount K2 is considered as one of the most difficult peaks to climb, with extremely low temperatures and winds making the ascent in winter more difficult.

In the facebook page Nirmal Purja has said, “A very special moment. The whole team waited 10m below the summit to form a group then stepped onto the summit together whilst singing our Nepalese National Anthem .

We are proud to have been a part of history for humankind and to show that collaboration, teamwork and a positive mental attitude can push limits to what we feel might be possible.”

He even said, ” THE IMPOSSIBLE IS MADE POSSIBLE ! #K2winter – History made for mankind, History made for Nepal !”