First winter ascent of K2 achieved by Nirmal Purja and fellow Nepalese climbers, as they sing the national anthem
- One of the last great firsts in mountaineering has been achieved by 10 Nepalese climbers
- A host of other teams were on the mountain this year in a frenzy to claim the world first
The first ascent of K2 in winter was achieved on Saturday by 10 Nepalese climbers, including the famous Nirmal Purja, who rose to notoriety when he climbed all 14 of the 8,000-metre peaks in six months.
“THE IMPOSSIBLE IS MADE POSSIBLE! #K2winter – History made for mankind, History made for Nepal,” Purja wrote on Instagram.
K2 is the second highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,611m. Although it is smaller than Everest, it is a far harder climb. The high death to summit ratio has earned it the nickname “The Savage Mountain”.
“A very special moment. The whole team waited 10m below the summit to form a group then stepped onto the summit together whilst singing our Nepalese National Anthem,” Purja said.
He was joined by Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Geljen Sherpa, Pem Chiri Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Mingma G, Dawa Tenjin Sherpa, Kilu Pemba Sherpa and Sona Sherpa.
“We are proud to have been a part of history for humankind and to show that collaboration, teamwork and a positive mental attitude can push limits to what we feel might be possible,” Purja said.
