Nirmal “Nims” Purja MBE has redefined what’s possible in high-altitude mountaineering. This British-Nepali legend didn’t just break records – he obliterated them, proving that with the right mindset, even the impossible becomes achievable.
From his humble beginnings in Nepal’s flatlands to becoming the first person to achieve 50 successful ascents of 8,000-metre peaks, Nims’s story is one of extraordinary determination, military precision, and unwavering positivity.
Who Is Nims Purja? Quick Facts
- Full Name: Nirmal Purja (nicknamed Nims or Nimsdai)
- Born: 25 July 1983, Myagdi District, Nepal
- Nationality: British (with Non-Resident Nepali Citizenship since 2023)
- Military Service: 16 years (Brigade of Gurkhas & UK Special Boat Service)
- Famous For: Climbing all 14 eight-thousanders in 6 months and 6 days
- Current Records: 50+ world records in high-altitude mountaineering
- Net Worth: Estimated £5 million (2024)
Biography
Nims wasn’t born into privilege. Growing up in Dana village, Myagdi District, near the towering Dhaulagiri at 1,600 metres above sea level, his family faced significant hardships. When he was just four, they relocated to the Chitwan District’s flatlands—nowhere near the Himalayas that would later define his life.
His parents came from different Nepalese castes, making their marriage socially challenging. Cut off financially and socially from their families, they struggled to make ends meet. As Nims told National Geographic: “We came from a really poor family. As a kid, I remember I didn’t even have flip-flops.”
Despite financial constraints, Nims’ three older brothers, who had become Gurkha soldiers, funded his education at an English-speaking boarding school in Bharatpur, Chitwan. During his school years, he discovered kickboxing and became proficient in the sport—early evidence of his competitive spirit and physical prowess.
His childhood dream wasn’t mountaineering; it was following in his father’s footsteps as a Gurkha soldier. This ambition would shape his character and provide the foundation for his later mountaineering achievements.
Military Career
At 18, Nims achieved his childhood dream by joining the Brigade of Gurkhas in 2003. For six years, he served with distinction, developing the discipline, teamwork, and mental resilience that would later serve him on the world’s highest peaks.
In 2009, Nims made history by becoming the first Gurkha ever to join the UK’s Special Boat Service (SBS), one of Britain’s most elite military units. For ten years, he served as a cold-weather warfare specialist, participating in classified operations across multiple theatres of war.
His military service wasn’t without danger—he was wounded when a sniper’s bullet struck his rifle stock, missing his neck by mere inches. These experiences forged an unshakeable mental toughness that would prove invaluable in extreme mountaineering conditions.
In 2018, despite being offered a surprise invitation to join the Special Air Service (SAS), Nims made the life-changing decision to leave the military. He resigned as a Lance Corporal, walking away from a substantial army pension to pursue his mountaineering dreams full-time.
Mountaineering Career
Remarkably, Nims’ mountaineering journey began relatively late. In December 2012, whilst on leave from Special Forces duties, he trekked to Everest Base Camp. This experience ignited a passion that would consume him.
Not content with just trekking, he convinced his guide to teach him proper climbing techniques and successfully summited Lobuche East (6,119m)—his first peak, achieved with zero previous mountaineering experience.
Early Eight-Thousander Achievements
- 2014: First 8,000m peak – Dhaulagiri (8,167m) in just 15 days
- 2016: Mount Everest summit (first of six times) – marked by a heroic solo rescue of a stricken climber in the death zone during descent
- 2017: Led the Gurkha Expedition “G200E” with 13 Gurkhas to commemorate 200 years of Gurkha service
In 2016, whilst celebrating his first Everest summit, Nims met the man who would become his closest friend, climbing partner, and business co-founder: Mingma David Sherpa. Their relationship was forged through tragedy and mutual respect.
Both men had been mentored by the legendary guide Dorje Khatri, who first taught Nims to climb on Lobuche East in 2012. Tragically, Khatri was killed in an avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall near Everest in 2014. When Nims sought out Khatri’s young protégé two years later, he discovered they shared more than just respect for their late mentor—they shared an unshakeable belief in what was possible.
Their partnership is built on implicit trust and deep mutual respect, qualities that would prove essential during their most ambitious expeditions.
Project Possible
In 2019, Nims announced “Project Possible 14/7″—his plan to climb all 14 eight-thousanders in seven months. At the time, the existing record was just under eight years. Most experts considered his timeline impossible.
Phase 1 (Spring 2019): Six peaks in Nepal
- Annapurna (23 April)
- Dhaulagiri (12 May)
- Kangchenjunga (15 May)
- Mount Everest (22 May)
- Lhotse (22 May)
- Makalu (24 May)
The last five peaks were conquered in just 12 days, with Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu climbed within 48 hours—a record that still stands.
Phase 2 (Summer 2019): Five peaks in Pakistan
- Nanga Parbat (3 July)
- Gasherbrum I (15 July)
- Gasherbrum II (18 July)
- K2 (24 July)
- Broad Peak (26 July)
Phase 3 (Autumn 2019): Final three peaks
- Cho Oyu (23 September)
- Manaslu (27 September)
- Shishapangma (29 October)
Project Possible
Beyond the headline achievement of fastest 14 eight-thousanders, Project Possible established multiple world records:
- Fastest time to climb all five 8,000ers of Pakistan: K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II (23 days)
- Most 8,000m peaks in a single season: Six peaks in spring 2019 (31 days)
- Fastest time to climb all eight 8,000ers of Nepal: Complete in record time
- Fastest summit sequence: Everest to Lhotse to Makalu (48 hours 30 minutes)
- Fastest time to climb the top five highest mountains: Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu (70 days)
- Fastest Everest to Lhotse summit: 10 hours 15 minutes
Mission Accomplished
On 29 October 2019, Nims stood atop Shishapangma, completing Project Possible in just 6 months and 6 days. He’d shattered the previous record by over seven years, proving that “everything in life is possible with a determined approach and positive mindset.”
Historic Winter K2 Ascent
K2 in winter had never been conquered. Known as the “Savage Mountain,” K2’s winter conditions are so extreme that it remained the only 8,000m peak never climbed in the harshest season.
On 16 January 2021, Nims led a ten-person all-Nepali team to achieve the first-ever winter ascent of K2. The historic moment was particularly poignant as the team sang the Nepalese national anthem during their final approach to the summit.
This wasn’t just about conquering the “Savage Mountain” in winter—it was about national pride and proving that Nepali climbers could lead the most challenging expeditions. Remarkably, Nims was the only team member to reach the summit without supplemental oxygen, adding another unprecedented achievement to his resume.
The Team:
- Nims’ Team: Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Geljen Sherpa, Pem Chiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa
- Mingma G’s Team: Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, Dawa Tenjin Sherpa, Kilu Pemba Sherpa
- Seven Summits Treks: Sona Sherpa
When terrible weather conditions hit the lower camps and equipment was lost, the three separate Nepali teams made the decision to join forces.
Recent Achievements
Nims’ extraordinary achievements have earned him prestigious recognition within the mountaineering community:
- Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) – Awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for outstanding work in high-altitude mountaineering
- Piolet d’Or Asia Award (2020) – Known as the “Oscar of Alpinism,” recognising exceptional mountaineering achievements
- Sherpa of the Year (2020) – Honouring his contributions to high-altitude climbing
2022: Speed Records Without Oxygen
Nims set a new speed record for ascending Kangchenjunga, Mount Everest, and Lhotse consecutively without oxygen: 8 days, 23 hours, and 10 minutes.
2024-2025: Redefining Limits
- October 2024: Fastest time to summit all 14 peaks with no supplementary oxygen (2 years, 5 months)
- October 2024: Fastest to summit all 14 peaks both with and without supplementary oxygen
- July 2025: Became the first person to achieve 50 successful ascents of 8,000m peaks
Personal Life
Nims is married to Suchi Purja, a qualified dentist and hygienist who’s been his unwavering support system. They met at a party in 2000 and married in 2016 after a long courtship.
Suchi plays a crucial role in Nims’ ventures, helping with administrative tasks for his businesses, including Nims Dai Ltd. and Mountain Philanthropy Limited.
In August 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Himani Purja, adding a new dimension to Nims’ life and motivations.
Cultural Background
Of Magar descent and raised Hindu, Nims embodies the resilience and determination of Nepal’s mountain communities. His dual British-Nepali identity allows him to bridge different worlds and inspire diverse audiences.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Nims Purja’s estimated net worth stands at approximately £5 million. His wealth comes from multiple revenue streams:
Primary Income Sources:
- Book royalties from “Beyond Possible” (2020)
- Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible” (2021)
- Elite Exped guiding company
- Nimsdai brand and merchandise
- Corporate sponsorships and partnerships
- Speaking engagements
Business Empire
Elite Exped
Founded in 2019 by Nims and Mingma David Sherpa immediately after Project Possible, Elite Exped represents the pinnacle of high-altitude guiding services. Born from their shared vision of helping others achieve audacious mountaineering goals, the company has established an impeccable safety record and reputation for unmatched expedition planning.
Nimsdai Brand: From the Nepalese word “dai” meaning “brother,” this enterprise encompasses merchandise, equipment, and experiences designed to share his mountaineering philosophy.
Corporate Partnerships: Major sponsors have included Emirates, The North Face, and Pebble, supporting his record-breaking expeditions.
Nimsdai Foundation
Founded in 2022, the Nimsdai Foundation focuses on inspiring, educating, and protecting mountain communities. Its initiatives include:
- Big Mountain Clean-Ups on Everest, K2, and Manaslu
- Educational access for Himalayan communities
- Disaster relief following natural disasters in Nepal and Pakistan
- Veterans’ rehabilitation programmes
- Lobuche Porter House Project supporting mountain workers
Nims is passionate about preserving the pristine mountain environments that have given him so much. His foundation’s environmental initiatives ensure future generations can experience these majestic peaks.
Documentary and Media Success
“14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible”
The Netflix documentary chronicling Project Possible became one of the platform’s most-watched adventure films. Released in November 2021, it brought Nims’ story to millions worldwide and significantly boosted Nepal’s tourism profile.
“Beyond Possible” Book
His autobiography, published in 2020, provides intimate insights into his military service, climbing philosophy, and the mental strategies that enabled his unprecedented achievements.
Complete World Records Portfolio
Nims holds an unprecedented collection of mountaineering world records, with achievements that span different categories and continue to grow:
Project Possible Records (2019):
- Fastest time to climb all 14 mountains above 8,000m (6 months, 6 days)
- Fastest time to climb all five 8,000ers of Pakistan: K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II (23 days)
- Most 8,000m peaks climbed in a single season: Six peaks in spring (31 days) – Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kangchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu
- Fastest time to climb all eight 8,000ers of Nepal
- Fastest summit sequence: Everest to Lhotse to Makalu (48 hours, 30 minutes)
- Fastest time to climb the world’s top five highest mountains: Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu (70 days)
- Fastest time from Everest summit to Lhotse summit (10 hours, 15 minutes)
Winter K2 Records (2021):
- First winter ascent of K2 (as part of an all-Nepali team)
- First person to summit K2 in winter without supplemental oxygen
Without Oxygen Records:
- Fastest double higher 8,000ers without oxygen: Everest and Lhotse (26 hours)
- Fastest triple higher 8,000ers without oxygen: Everest, Lhotse, and Kangchenjunga (8 days, 23 hours, 11 minutes)
- Fastest top three 8,000ers without oxygen: Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga (75 days, 21 hours, 45 minutes)
Recent Achievements (2024-2025):
- Fastest person to climb all 14 peaks with and without oxygen (5 years, 5 months, 12 days)
- Most successful 8,000m summits by any climber (50 summits)
- Most successful summits without oxygen use (22 summits)
Challenges and Controversies
In May 2024, Nims faced sexual harassment allegations from two women, which he categorically denied through his legal representatives. A podcast series, “Summit Justice,” was released in February 202,5 investigating these claims and what Purja describes as a “smear campaign.”
The Nepal Press Council blacklisted The Himalayan Times in 2025 following what they deemed “imbalanced” reporting about Nims and his companies.
Legacy and Impact
Nims hasn’t just broken records—he’s fundamentally changed how people approach high-altitude climbing. Before him, mountaineers typically attempted one or two 8,000m peaks per season. His achievements have raised the bar and inspired a new generation of ambitious climbers.
His philosophy—”Everything in life is possible with a determined approach and positive mindset”—resonates far beyond mountaineering. He’s become a sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring people from all walks of life to pursue their seemingly impossible dreams.
Dream big. Work hard. Stay humble. Inspire others. That’s the Nims Purja way, and it’s a philosophy that’s changing lives around the world.
