This article aims to delve into the life and achievements of Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nims Dai, a groundbreaking mountaineer from Nepal. Born on July 25, 1983, Nims Dai has gained international fame for his extraordinary feats in high-altitude climbing. He is best known for his remarkable achievement of summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just six months and six days, a record that has redefined the limits of mountaineering. Nims Dai’s accomplishments have not only made him a prominent figure in the mountaineering community but have also inspired a new generation of climbers around the globe.

Early Life and Background

Nims Dai was born in the Myagdi District of Nepal, in a small village called Sirdibas. Growing up in the Himalayas, he developed a deep connection with the mountains from an early age. He joined the Gurkhas, a renowned regiment of the British Army, where he honed his skills in mountaineering and survival. His military background provided him with the discipline and resilience necessary for high-altitude climbing. Nims Dai’s early exposure to the mountains and his experiences in the military laid the foundation for his future endeavors in mountaineering.

Mountaineering Career

Nims Dai in the trails (Image: Instagram)

Nims Dai’s mountaineering career began in earnest after he completed his service in the Gurkhas. He participated in various expeditions, gradually building his reputation as a skilled climber. His early climbs included summiting Everest in 2012, which marked the beginning of his ascent into the elite ranks of mountaineers. Nims Dai faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and the physical demands of high-altitude climbing. His determination and relentless pursuit of excellence led him to seek mentorship from experienced climbers, further enhancing his skills.

Key Mountaineering Achievements

  1. Fastest Climb of All 14 Eight-Thousanders (Project Possible 14/7)
    • Climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in just 6 months and 6 days (April–October 2019).
    • Previous record was 7 years, 10 months, and 6 days.
  2. First Winter Ascent of K2 (16 January 2021)
    • Led a 10-member Nepalese team to the first successful winter ascent of K2 (8,611m).
    • The world’s second-highest peak had never been summited in winter before.
  3. Fastest Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu Summits
    • Climbed Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Makalu (8,485m) in just 48 hours in 2019.
  4. Fastest Consecutive Climbs of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga
    • Climbed Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Kanchenjunga (8,586m) in just 15 days.
  5. Climbed Everest Twice in One Season
    • Summited Everest twice in 2016 and 2017 while serving in the British military.
  6. Led the Nepalese Team in Record-Setting 8,000m Peaks
    • Advocated for Nepalese climbers to receive global recognition.
    • Ensured national pride in mountaineering history.
  7. Completed the “Death Zone Marathon”
    • Climbed three 8,000m peaks within five days (Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Everest).
  8. Fastest Climb of the Five Highest Peaks in Pakistan
    • Nanga Parbat (8,126m), Gasherbrum I (8,080m), Gasherbrum II (8,035m), Broad Peak (8,051m), K2 (8,611m) within 23 days.
  9. Record-Breaking Climb of Kangchenjunga Without Oxygen
    • Climbed Kangchenjunga (8,586m) without supplemental oxygen and rescued two climbers on descent.
  10. Served in the British Special Forces (Gurkha Regiment & SBS)
    • Former UK Special Boat Service (SBS) commando trained in extreme survival and endurance.

Other Notable Feats

  1. Climbed Annapurna (8,091m) Despite High Fatality Rate
    • Annapurna has one of the highest death rates (32%), yet he climbed it swiftly.
  2. Broke the Record for Fastest 8,000m Peak Ascent (K2-Lhotse)
    • Climbed K2 and Lhotse within 3 days, breaking multiple records.
  3. Supported Rescue Operations on Everest
    • Led or participated in multiple high-altitude rescues, saving fellow climbers.
  4. Became a Global Ambassador for Nepalese Climbers
    • Helped increase international recognition of Sherpas and Nepalese mountaineers.
  5. Featured in the Netflix Documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible”
    • His documentary showcases Project Possible 14/7 and the challenges faced.
  6. Summited Manaslu in Autumn Without Oxygen
    • Climbed Manaslu (8,163m) in off-season conditions, demonstrating endurance.
  7. Only Person to Climb Six 8,000m Peaks in One Month
    • Achieved this in May 2019 during Project Possible.
  8. Promoted Ethical and Sustainable Climbing
    • Advocates for cleaning expeditions to remove waste from Everest and other peaks.
  9. Broke the Speed Record on Dhaulagiri
    • Climbed Dhaulagiri in just 1 day and 2 hours.
  10. First Nepali to Receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal
    • Recognized for his military service and bravery in mountaineering.

Quotes:

“Nothing is impossible. You just have to find a way.”

Life Beyond Mountaineering

Beyond his climbing achievements, Nims Dai is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in his home country, particularly in rural areas. Nims Dai has also shared his experiences through various media, including documentaries and social media, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams. He is passionate about promoting Nepal as a premier destination for adventure tourism and has worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by climbers in the Himalayas.

Legacy and Impact

Nims Dai’s achievements have significantly influenced the world of mountaineering, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. His record-breaking climbs have inspired a new generation of climbers to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Tributes to his accomplishments can be found in various mountaineering circles, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring adventurers worldwide.

Interesting Facts

Nims Dai is known for his charismatic personality and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He has a unique approach to climbing, often emphasizing teamwork and collaboration over individual glory. Additionally, he has set several records, including the fastest ascent of K2 in winter, showcasing his versatility as a climber.

Key Statistics:

  • 14 Peaks: Summited all within 6 months and 6 days.
  • First Summit: Mount Everest, 2016.

Social Media Links : 

Conclusion

Nirmal Purja, or Nims Dai, has made remarkable contributions to the world of mountaineering, redefining the limits of high-altitude climbing. His philosophy centers around the belief that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible. Nims Dai’s enduring legacy serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the pursuit of adventure, inspiring future generations to explore the great outdoors.

Know More About Nims Dai:

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Nims Dai

Who is Nimsdai Purja?

Nimsdai Purja is a Nepalese mountaineer and former soldier in the British Army’s Gurkhas and Special Boat Service (SBS). He is best known for completing “Project Possible,” where he climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just six months and six days, setting a world record.

What is “Project Possible”?

“Project Possible” was Nimsdai’s ambitious mission to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks within seven months. He completed the challenge in just six months and six days, breaking previous records by a huge margin.

Where can I watch the documentary about Nimsdai?

The documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible” is available for streaming on Netflix. It follows Nimsdai’s journey through “Project Possible” and highlights his resilience and leadership.

What record does Nimsdai hold for climbing Mount Everest?

Nimsdai holds multiple records related to Everest. One of his notable achievements was summiting Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in just 48 hours, setting a new speed record.

How did Nimsdai transition from the military to mountaineering?

After serving 16 years in the British Army (six years with the Gurkhas and ten years in the Special Boat Service), Nimsdai left the military in 2019 to pursue high-altitude mountaineering full-time.

Does Nimsdai offer mountaineering guiding services?

Yes, through his company, Elite Exped, Nimsdai provides commercial and private guided mountaineering expeditions, including climbs of Everest, K2, and other major peaks.

Has Nimsdai contributed to rescue missions on mountains?

Yes, Nimsdai has led multiple high-altitude rescue missions. One of his most famous rescues was during his 2019 expedition when he and his team saved climbers in distress on Annapurna.

What are some of Nimsdai’s other mountaineering records?

Fastest ascent of all 14 eight-thousanders (6 months, 6 days)
Fastest summit of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu (48 hours)
First-ever winter ascent of K2 (2021) with a Nepali team

What are Nimsdai’s upcoming projects?

Nimsdai continues to push limits with new projects, including leading guided expeditions and exploring extreme environments. He is also involved in high-altitude skydiving with Skydive Nimsdai.

Where can I follow Nimsdai on social media?

You can follow him on:
Instagram: @nimsdai
Facebook: Nimsdai
Twitter/X: @nimsdai
Website: www.nimsdai.com