Heroes’ welcome for K2 climbers after record winter summit

KATHMANDU, JANUARY 26

Ten Nepali climbers, who set a record by successfully scaling K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, in the winter season, received a heroes’ welcome as they arrived here this morning.

By ascending the 8,611-metre-high Mt K2 in the winter season, 10 Nepali climbers, including Nirmal Purja aka ‘Nimsdai’, set a new world record in the field of mountaineering. Purja was assisted by Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma Tenzing Sherpa, Gyalzen Sherpa, Pema Chhiri Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa, Kilu Sherpa, Mingma G, Dawa Tenzing Sherpa, and Sona Sherpa.

The team received a grand welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport from the Department of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Mountaineering Association, and other tourism organisations.

Though shorter than Mt Everest, K2 is renowned for being far more tougher to climb, with not a single successful winter ascent until the Nepali group stood atop its summit on January 16.

Winter winds on K2, which straddles the Pakistan-China border, can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour and temperatures drop to minus-60 degrees Celsius. Only a total of 367 successful ascents have been made on Mt K2 so far and 86 people have lost their lives in the attempt.

This is Purja’s second world record. He had set another record in 2019 by successfully climbing all the top 14 mountains in the world in the shortest time span of around six months.

Meanwhile, presenting letters of appreciation to the climbers in Baluwatar today, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced they will be felicitated with medals in the future.

 

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