World-renowned mountaineer and Guinness World Record holder Nirmal Purja MBE (Nimsdai) has successfully summited Gasherbrum II (8,035m) in Pakistan, adding another remarkable milestone to his legendary climbing career.
Purja reached the summit of Gasherbrum II on July 21, 2026, marking his 57th successful ascent of the world's 8,000-meter peaks. Of these ascents, 29 have been completed without the use of supplemental oxygen, further highlighting his extraordinary endurance and climbing ability.
With this achievement, only Cho Oyu (8,188m) remains for Purja to complete his ambitious "Hat-Trick Project." The project aims to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks three times each, while also completing the Seven Summits three times, setting another unprecedented benchmark in the history of mountaineering.
According to Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, Director and Expedition Member of Elite Exped, a five-member team led by Purja successfully reached the summit despite difficult weather conditions and challenging terrain on July 21.
"Careful planning, outstanding teamwork, and unwavering determination enabled the entire team to reach the summit safely. All members have now returned safely to the base camp," Sherpa said.
Elite Exped also expressed its appreciation to the Imagine Nepal team through social media for their valuable cooperation in fixing the route to the summit. The company emphasized that collaboration and coordination among expedition teams remain essential for ensuring safe and successful Himalayan climbs.
The successful Elite Exped summit team included:
- Nirmal Purja (Expedition Leader)
- Nicole Kovalchuk
- Prakash Gurung
- Tenzing Sherpa
- Fida Ali
A former member of the British Special Forces, Purja first gained worldwide recognition in 2019 when he completed his historic Project Possible, climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in just 6 months and 6 days, setting a Guinness World Record.
He also made history in 2021 by joining a team of 10 Nepali climbers to achieve the first-ever winter ascent of K2, one of mountaineering's greatest accomplishments.
Born in Nepal, Purja served in the British Army for 16 years, including six years with the Gurkha Regiment and ten years with the elite Special Boat Service (SBS) of the UK Special Forces. After leaving military service, he transformed into one of the world's most celebrated mountaineers, continuously setting new records and inspiring climbers across the globe.
With Cho Oyu now standing as the final remaining peak in his Hat-Trick Project, the mountaineering world will be watching closely as Nirmal Purja pursues yet another historic achievement.
