World Record for Fastest Ascent of 14 Peaks above 8,000m in 92 Days

In a remarkable feat of human endurance and mountaineering prowess, Kristin Harila, a 37-year-old Norwegian woman, and her 35-year-old Nepali Sherpa guide, Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa, have achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world’s fastest climbers to conquer all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. On Thursday, July 27, they reached the summit of Mount K2 in Pakistan, the 14th and final peak on their incredible journey, completing the challenge in just 92 days.

The news was confirmed by Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, managing director of Seven Summit Treks (SST), the Nepali organizing company that provided logistics and support to the climbers. Tashi revealed that along with Kristin and Tenjen Sherpa, eight other guides accompanied them during their climb to the summit of K2, which stands as the world’s second-highest peak at 8,611 meters.

“They have become the fastest to climb all 14 peaks,” Tashi stated, quoting information received from the base camp. Such an accomplishment is a testament to their unwavering determination and dedication, as climbing all 14 of these formidable peaks is typically a feat that spans years for most climbers.

In their awe-inspiring journey, Kristin and Tenjen Sherpa surpassed the previous record set by Nirmal Purja of Nepal, who completed all 14 peaks in six months and one week in 2019. While their accomplishment has been confirmed by fellow climbers on the mountain, it is yet to be officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Their incredible journey began on April 26 when they successfully summited Shishapangma in the Tibet region of China. From there, they went on to conquer some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna in Nepal before embarking on their final leg in Pakistan.

Before reaching K2, they also managed to summit Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and the Broad Peak. Their relentless pursuit and remarkable pace allowed them to conquer all 14 peaks in just 92 days, setting a new benchmark for future mountaineers.

Garrett Madison of the US-based Madison Mountaineering company, who was also leading an expedition on K2, praised Kristin and Tenjen Sherpa for their incredible achievement, mentioning that they seized a narrow weather window to make their successful summit.

“They have made a summit a short while ago,” Madison said, adding that Kristin Harila displayed exceptional mental and physical toughness throughout their journey.

Additionally, amidst the remarkable achievement, another standout accomplishment was made by one of the accompanying sherpas, 17-year-old Nima Rinjin Sherpa, who became the youngest climber ever to conquer K2, further highlighting the prowess and courage of the climbing team.