The Nepalese Sherpa, together with two Chinese, has climbed the seven highest peaks on all continents, from Asia to South America, as well as all the eight thousand peaks of the Himalayas. Flowers and garlands upon arrival at the capital’s airport. The country is also celebrating the record number of tourists to the Annapurna region in 2024, which almost reached 245,000 visits.
Kathmandu () – Authorities, colleagues and ordinary citizens today gave a hero’s welcome to Nepalese mountaineer Mingma G when he landed at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, returning to the country after having achieved a new record. The Asian mountaineering legend has, in fact, conquered the top of the seven highest peaks on each continent, from Europe to Africa, passing through America. Garlands and ornamental flowers are some of the gifts he received upon arrival, for an athlete who – in the past – has climbed the eight thousand Himalayan range several times, the “home gym” for the athlete born and raised between the highest peaks on the planet which he has conquered with different techniques.
Mingma G, born and raised in the Rolwaling Valley at 4,200 m altitude, completed his seven summits on all seven continents on December 27, 2024. He has climbed Mount Everest (8,848 m) in Asia six times (2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2022); Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Africa in 2019; Elbrus (5,642 m) in the Caucasus, considered part of Europe according to geographical conventions, in 2019 and 2024; Denali (6,190 m) in North America in 2024; Puncak Jaya (4,884 m) in Oceania in 2024; the Vinson massif (4,892 m) in Antarctica also in 2024, as well as Aconcagua (6,962 m) in South America. Together with him, his Chinese climbing partners Zhang Jian and Gu Xuming also completed the ascent of the seven peaks.
In October 2024, Mingma G became the first Nepalese to complete all 14 8,000-meter peaks without the help of oxygen. The Nepalese athlete has climbed Everest six times; five times K2; Kanchenjunga twice; Lhotse once; Makalu twice; Cho Oyu twice; Dhaulagiri twice; Manaslu seven times; Nanga Parbat in 2017; Annapurna twice; Gasherbrum I once; Broad Peak twice; the Gasherbrum II and the Shishapangma.
The summit of Nanga Parbat that Mingma G reached in 2017 was also the first time a climber arrived in the autumn season. He was also one of 10 Nepalese climbers and the leader of his team on the first winter ascent of K2. In 2024 he also reached the South Pole on skis, one of the few compatriots to have achieved this milestone. The athlete is also a certified guide from the International Union of Mountain Guide Associations (Ifmgha).
Along with its most important climber, Nepal has also celebrated another significant milestone these days: according to data from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the region – a famous world tourist destination for trekking and adventure – has surpassed the record number of 244,045 tourists and visitors in 2024, which is the highest number since the presence count began. Of the total, 132,094 came from South Asia and the remaining 111,951 from other countries. This milestone surpasses the previous high of 191,558 visitors in 2023 and reflects a strong recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, which had drastically reduced arrivals.
ACAP head Rabin Kadariya highlighted the importance of this recovery, saying that 2024 “not only marked a recovery in tourism, but also set a new benchmark with substantial growth in arrivals.” The Annapurna Circuit trek, with iconic destinations such as Base Camp, Mardi Peak, Tilicho Lake in Manang, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Muktinath and Ghodepani of Myagdi, “continues to fascinate domestic and international visitors” . In addition to being among the top 10 most visited global destinations according to travel guides, the region has made ‘s 2023 list of the 23 best places in the world for travel and adventure.
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