Imagine scaling three of the tallest mountains on Earth in just over a week. Now, imagine doing it without breathing any supplementary oxygen while guiding an entire team to safety.
That is exactly what legendary climber Nimsdai Purja accomplished in May 2022. Known for his legendary feats in 14 Peaks, Nimsdai shattered two world records in a mere nine days.
The Incredible Nine-Day Triple Summit
Between May 7 and May 16, 2022, Nimsdai completed a breathtaking journey across Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Lhotse. He summited these three massive 8,000-meter peaks in just 8 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes without oxygen.
As if that was not enough, he also completed the grueling Everest-to-Lhotse traverse in a record-breaking 26 hours. What makes this even more shocking is that he was not even aiming for records; his main focus was guiding his Elite Exped team.
Overcoming the Trials of Kanchenjunga
The journey was far from simple. On their first attempt at Kanchenjunga, the team had to turn back only meters from the summit due to route confusion and darkness.
During that initial run, Nimsdai used oxygen from 8,300 meters to ensure client safety before taking a helicopter back to Base Camp. However, his second attempt was a masterclass in pure alpine climbing.
He went from Base Camp to the summit and back entirely on foot, with zero supplementary oxygen. His team also assisted legendary climber Mingma G in fixing 90% of the summit lines.
A Piano Performance at the Top of the World
On May 10, the team set their sights on Mount Everest. Despite battling a harsh Khumbu cough caused by the dry, freezing air, Nimsdai kept pace with the fittest climbers who were using oxygen.
During this push, Nimsdai guided 19-year-old Mexican climber Juan Diego Martinez Alvarez. Juan not only became the youngest Mexican to summit Everest and Lhotse, but he also set a Guinness World Record by playing a keyboard performance at the summit.

An Authentic Code: Base Camp to Summit
For Nimsdai, true mountaineering means keeping it authentic. He firmly believes a summit push must always start at Base Camp and end back at Base Camp on foot.
By executing these climbs cleanly and guiding with a 100% success rate, Nimsdai continues to inspire the global climbing community. His message remains simple and clear: nothing is impossible if you dare to dream big.
Frequently Asked Questions
What records did Nimsdai break in May 2022?
Nimsdai broke two records: summiting Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga without oxygen in 8 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes, and completing the Everest-to-Lhotse traverse without oxygen in 26 hours.
Who was the young Mexican climber guided by Nimsdai?
Nimsdai guided 19-year-old Juan Diego Martinez Alvarez, who became the youngest Mexican to summit both Everest and Lhotse, while also performing the highest-altitude piano piece ever.
Why did Nimsdai use a helicopter during the first Kanchenjunga attempt?
Because the first summit attempt was voided after they had to turn back near the peak, Nimsdai used a helicopter to return to Base Camp before executing a successful, fully non-assisted second attempt.
Enjoyed Nimsdai Breaks Two New Mountaineering World Records Without Oxygen? Why not explore our other posts, such as Mastering the Colorado Trail: A Deep Dive into Bikepacking Culture, Bikepacking 2026: New Gear, Epic Routes, and Sustainable DIY Hacks, and Galapagos Islands Uncovered: Cruise or Island Hop Your Way to Magic.
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