Mariott Kathmandu Celebrates Mountaineering Excellence: "Beyond Possible" Event Honors Nirmal Purja and Mingma Gyalje Sherpa

KATHMANDU, Oct 28:The Kathmandu Marriott Hotel organized the event "Beyond Possible, together with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) to honor the extraordinary achievements of mountaineers Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai) and Mingma Gyalje Sherpa (Minigma G). This celebration highlighted their remarkable records in the mountaineering world, emphasizing the spirit of achievement and the triumph of human potential. The event was marked by inspiring speeches, recognition of their contributions to Nepal's mountaineering legacy, and a gathering of notable figures from various sectors.

Vishal Mehra, the Cluster General Manager of Kathmandu Marriott, opened the event by celebrating the "spirit of achievement" and the "triumph of human potential." He emphasized that mountaineering holds significant cultural and spiritual value for Nepal, being home to eight of the fourteen tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest. He remarked on how Purja's book, "Beyond Possible," has been widely praised and serves as an inspiration for many. Mehra also noted that true achievement lies not just in personal success but in uplifting others and inspiring a better future.

Gaurav Agrawal, the honorary consul of the Dominican Republic consulate, reiterated the remarkable records held by Nirmal Purja, highlighting his status as the fastest person to climb all 14 8000 meters+ tallest peaks with or without supplemental oxygen. He also praised Purja for his completion of the Seven Summits challenge, where the highest summits of all continents are scaled—a feat only he has accomplished alongside summiting all 14 peaks. Purja has also summited all 14 of these peaks 48 times, making him the only climber to achieve this milestone. He celebrated Purja's four world records and acknowledged Mingma G as a combined record holder for being both the first and fastest Nepali climber to achieve these extraordinary feats. Agrawal emphasized their friendship and commitment to each other's success.

Mingma G, reflecting on his journey since starting mountaineering in 2006, expressed gratitude for his friendship with Nims Dai. He shared his experience of summiting most peaks without oxygen while singing the national anthem with his team. Mingma G also addressed misconceptions about Nims’ nationality due to his passport, asserting that anyone born in Nepal remains Nepali at heart. His story underscored the importance of camaraderie in achieving such monumental goals.

Nirmal Purja spoke passionately about his identity as a Nepali and his mission to elevate the Nepali climbing community on a global platform. He shared that he took significant risks—including quitting his army service and selling his house—to pursue his dreams for Nepal's recognition in mountaineering. Purja stated, “When you share your success, the joy multiplies,” emphasizing his belief in collective achievement over individual glory.

The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony featuring a model of all 14 peaks and a promotional documentary titled "The 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible," which has garnered worldwide attention. Notable attendees included Indra Rana Magar from the House of Representatives, Nima Nuru Sherpa, the president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), and other prominent figures from NTB, Nepal Police, and other various organizations related to mountaineering, hospitality, and the tourism sector. The celebration not only honored individual accomplishments but also reinforced Nepal's rich mountaineering heritage and its potential as a premier destination for adventure tourism.