Renowned mountaineer Phurba Tenjing Sherpa has once again etched his name in the annals of mountaineering history by successfully summiting Mount Everest for the 16th time. Leading a team of national climbers, Phurba reached the peak at 6:00 AM on May 22, 2024.
"Every time I guide someone to their dream, I feel utterly blessed. Watching my climber's reaction on the summit is priceless!" Phurba quotes.
Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, hailing from Rolwaling village in Gaurishankar, Dolakha, Nepal, began his career at the young age of 15 as a porter in the Tashi Laptsa Pass. Over the years, he has achieved numerous milestones, including holding three Guinness World Records with his siblings for the most siblings to have climbed Everest and the most siblings on an 8000er.
His achievements include two summits of Everest within 10 days in 2007, two summits within 3 days in both 2008 and 2017, and two summits without supplementary oxygen at the age of 19. Phurba holds the record for the most successful ascents of Mt. Everest at the youngest age of 24.
Throughout his career, Phurba has led and participated in several notable expeditions. He was a key figure in the "First Inclusive Women Sagarmatha Expedition 2008," the “First Women Journalists Everest Expedition 2018,” and the “Fastest Ascent of Everest (Female) 2021.” Phurba has also guided numerous climbers to significant milestones, including Mr. Min Bahadur Sherchan, who became the oldest person to climb Everest at 77, Sudarshan Gautam, the first armless person to summit Everest in 2013, and Gopal Shrestha, the first HIV-infected climber to summit Everest in 2019.
In addition to his mountaineering achievements, Phurba advocates for Sherpa guides and porters and promotes new peaks and trekking routes in his native Rolwaling. His efforts have led to the development of local infrastructure, including the first health post in Beding, the David Lama Biwak, the highest altitude mountain shelter in Upper Jaboo, and the highest steel way cable, Via Ferrata, in Tashi Laptsa pass.
Phurba has been recognized with the "National Youth Award" and the “Climate Action Award” by the Nepal Government. He is a global ambassador for Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the We Will Rise Foundation. Additionally, Phurba is a professional mountain photographer, capturing the landscapes of the Himalayas.
In the climbing team led by Summit Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, Jitendra Regmi and guide Padam Tamang have also successfully climbed Mount Everest.
