Nims Purja is a hero who climbed the world’s tallest mountains faster than anyone. He’s from Nepal and became famous after his 14 Peaks Netflix documentary. His story inspires people who love Himalayan expeditions, adventure, or just want to know about a strong person. But some people question his actions. This article explains his life, achievements, and problems in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you love climbing or saw his movie, you’ll find his story exciting!
Growing Up and Being a Soldier
Nims Purja, also called Nirmal Purja, was born on July 25, 1983, in a small village in Nepal called Myagdi. He grew up near big mountains, which made him strong and brave. As a kid, he walked tough paths and learned to never give up.
When he was 20, Nims joined the British Army as a Gurkha soldier. Gurkhas are known for being tough and loyal. He worked hard for six years. Then, he joined a special group called the Special Boat Service (SBS). It’s like being a superhero soldier! He trained in jungles, climbed mountains, and even went on secret missions. This made him good at handling hard situations and staying calm.
Nims left the army in 2019 to climb mountains full-time. His time as an ex-Gurkha mountaineer helped him face danger. He’s proud of being from Nepal, which makes him work hard to show Nepali pride.
Starting to Climb Mountains
Nims didn’t always climb big mountains. In 2012, he climbed his first peak, Lobuche East, while on a break from the army. It was tough, but he loved it! By 2014, he climbed Dhaulagiri, a huge mountain, without extra oxygen. This showed he was a natural climber.
After leaving the army, Nims wanted to prove Nepali climbers could be leaders, not just helpers. This idea led to his big plan called Project Possible. It changed how people see high altitude climbing.
Amazing Climbing Records
Nims Purja has done things no one else has in climbing. He’s climbed mountains over 8,000 meters high 52 times by October 2025! That’s like climbing the tallest buildings over and over. Here are his biggest wins:
- Fastest Climb of All 14 Eight-Thousanders: In 2019, Nims climbed all 14 eight-thousanders (the world’s tallest peaks) in just six months and six days. Before him, the fastest person took seven years!
- Super Speed Records: He climbed three big mountains—Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu—in just two days in 2019. In 2021, he led the first winter climb of K2, a super dangerous mountain, without oxygen.
- 50th Big Climb: In July 2025, Nims reached his 50th climb of an 8,000-meter peak on Nanga Parbat. He said it was his scariest trip because of strong winds and falling1 rocks.
- Hat Trick Challenge: Right now, in 2025, Nims is trying to climb the 14 Peaks and the Seven Summits (highest peaks on each continent) three times each. He’s raising money to help mountain villages.
Nims climbs fast and works with a team, including Sherpa support. He uses ropes and sometimes oxygen to keep his group safe. No one in his team has gotten hurt on big climbs, which shows he’s careful.
Here’s how you can climb like Nims:
- Start Small: Try small hills before big mountains.
- Work as a Team: Help your friends, like Nims helps his teamwork in expeditions.
- Stay Strong in Your Mind: Think positive, like Nims did in the army.
His climbs have made modern mountaineering easier for others by using smart plans and tools.
Starting His Own Company
In 2019, Nims started Elite Exped, a company that takes people on mountain adventures. It helps important people, like a princess from Qatar, climb safely. His company uses Nepali climbers to lead, which is special.
Nims also made the Nimsdai Store to sell climbing gear and the Nimsdai Foundation to help people in Nepal. The foundation gives kids schools, helps after earthquakes, and keeps mountains clean. In 2025, his Hat Trick Challenge raises money for this.
But some people don’t like the Elite Exped controversy. They say it costs too much or isn’t always fair. Nims closed a store in Nepal in 2024 because of complaints, but his company still does well.
If you want to start a business like Nims, try these tips (see business strategies):
- Find What You’re Good At: Nims helps rich climbers; you can find your special idea.
- Use Social Media: Nims shares his story on Instagram to get noticed.
Becoming Famous: 14 Peaks Netflix and More
Nims got super famous after his 14 Peaks Netflix movie in 2021. It shows how he climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in Project Possible. The movie mixes exciting climbs with stories about his life and Sherpa support. People love it because it’s inspiring and shows Nepal’s mountaineering legacy.
Nims has over 500,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares Nims Purja quotes like “Nothing is impossible.” His book, Beyond Possible, tells about his army and climbing days. It’s great for climber biography fans.
In 2025, he’s on a podcast called Summit Justice to talk about problems people say he has. He uses the media to share his story and help South Asian climbers feel proud.
If you like documentary storytelling, watch his movie for adventure motivation. It’s fun and teaches about teamwork.
Problems and Nims Purja2 Controversy
Nims has faced big challenges. Some people have said bad things about him, which has caused arguments.
- Unwanted Behavior Claims: In 2024, two women, Lotta Hintsa and April Leonardo, said Nims acted wrongly toward them on climbs. He said those stories aren’t true. Other climbers, like Billi Bierling, said mountains should be safe for everyone.
- Breaking Rules: Some say Nims broke climbing rules, like using a helicopter on Everest in 2024. Others say he didn’t pay people after an accident with oxygen tanks in 2022. He also made a video in 2024 saying someone cut his ropes on Everest, but Nepal’s government said it wasn’t true.
- Nepal’s Reaction: In Nepal, some people are upset because they want Nims to make their country look good. A 2024 article in Nepali Times said his problems hurt national representation. In 2025, a Nepal newspaper got in trouble for only saying good things about him.
On Reddit, some climbers say Nims acts too proud. His army past makes him bold, but not everyone likes it.
Nims uses Instagram to say he’s doing good things. For people who care about ethics in adventure sports, this shows how fame can be tricky.
If you hear about problems like this:
- Look for Truth: Read fair stories to understand.
- Be Fair: Support people asking for what’s right.
Helping Nepal and the World
Nims is a Himalayan hero who makes Nepal proud. He shows how important Sherpas are in climbing. His foundation helps Nepali villages with schools and clean mountains.
Around the world, Nims inspires young people who want to do big things. The Nepali diaspora sees him as a star, but his problems make some people talk about athlete reputation.
For Nepali / Himalayan / South Asian audiences, Nims shows national fame / controversies. Articles like Nepali Times talk about how he changes how people see Nepal.
Compared to other climbers like Reinhold Messner, Nims climbs faster but gets more questions about his ways.
What We Can Learn from Nims Purja
Nims teaches us to dream big. Here are simple lessons:
- Be Tough: His military background shows hard work pays off.
- Help Your Team: He says teamwork in expeditions keeps everyone safe.
- Learn from Mistakes: Problems teach us to do better.
- Give Back: Nims helps Nepal with his foundation.
He once said, “I climb to show others they can do anything.” (From his 2025 Nanga Parbat post).
To use his ideas in your life, check out resilience tips.
FAQs
Who is Nims Purja and why is he famous?
He’s a Nepali mountaineer who climbed all 14 eight-thousanders super fast in Project Possible.
What is Project Possible by Nims Purja?
It’s his 2019 plan to climb 14 huge mountains in less than seven months, shown in 14 Peaks Netflix.
What are the Nims Purja sexual harassment allegations?
Two women said he acted badly in 2024. He says it’s not true. Check The New York Times for more.
How did Nims Purja climb all 14 peaks?
He planned well, used oxygen support in climbs, and worked with a strong team
What is Nims Purja doing now?
In 2025, he’s climbing for his Hat Trick Challenge, running Elite Exped, and helping his foundation.
Conclusion
Nims Purja shows us how to chase big dreams, from climbing the tallest mountains to helping Nepal. His world mountaineering record makes people excited, but his challenges teach us to be fair. His story pushes us to try hard and help others.
What big goal will you chase next?