Nepali mountain guide Chatur Tamang has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully summiting Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters)—the highest peak in Europe—for the 200th time, creating a historic world record in mountaineering.
The record-breaking ascent was completed on Saturday, July 25, at 6:20 a.m. (Russia time), marking an extraordinary achievement that highlights the dedication, endurance, and expertise of one of Nepal's most experienced mountain guides.
In just the past week, Tamang successfully guided several international climbers to the summit of Mount Elbrus. He led a Malaysian team on July 17, an Indian team on July 18, and another Malaysian climber on July 20, completing his 197th successful ascent. He then guided an international team to the summit on July 22 for his 198th ascent, followed by his 199th summit on July 23 with another international expedition.
Finally, on July 25, Tamang completed his landmark 200th ascent, carrying Nepal's national flag to the summit of Europe's highest mountain, symbolizing the pride and excellence of Nepali mountaineers on the global stage.
Originally from Solukhumbu, Chatur Tamang has been involved in professional mountaineering since 1995. Born into a modest family, he completed his school education in his village but was unable to pursue higher studies due to financial difficulties. He later moved to Kathmandu in search of work, beginning his mountaineering career as a porter before gradually advancing into climbing and guiding.
Since 2002, Tamang has been based in Russia, where he has spent years guiding climbers on Mount Elbrus while also bringing Russian climbers to Nepal to climb Himalayan peaks. He divides his time between Nepal and Russia and had long set a personal goal of summiting Mount Elbrus 200 times—a dream he has now successfully fulfilled.
Reflecting on the achievement, Tamang said climbing Mount Elbrus is never easy and believes no one has yet matched his record on the mountain. He also noted that he has carefully documented every ascent since the beginning of his climbing career.
Throughout his mountaineering journey, Tamang has successfully climbed some of the world's most iconic peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Island Peak, and Mera Peak.
He completed both Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses in Darjeeling during 2001–2002. Tamang also operates his own company, Chatur's Trek & Expedition, through which he organizes expeditions for both domestic and international climbers across Nepal's Himalayan ranges.
His 200th successful ascent of Mount Elbrus stands as a historic achievement not only for his personal career but also for Nepal's mountaineering community, reinforcing the country's global reputation for producing world-class climbers and mountain guides.
