Kathmandu: Kristin Harila from Norway and Nepali guide Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa were given a grand welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport today for their extraordinary achievement of scaling 14 mountains in just three months, setting a new world record. The climbers had recently conquered the second highest mountain in the world, Mt K2, on July 27.

Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, warmly greeted the climbers upon their return to Nepal after their successful ascent of Mt K2. Representatives from the Tourism Ministry, Department of Tourism, Nepal Mountaineering Association, various tourism-related organizations, and fellow climbers were present at TIA to celebrate the occasion.

The government officials and tourism entrepreneurs gave a traditional welcome to the world record climbers, accompanied by cultural music instruments, as shared by Nima Nuru Sherpa, the Chairperson of the Association.

Kristin Harila and Tenjen Sherpa achieved the incredible feat of scaling Mt K2, which stands at an impressive 8611 meters, in Pakistan at 10:45 am on July 27, as reported by Seven Summit Treks Company. With this accomplishment, they have set a remarkable record by successfully ascending 14 mountains above 8,000 meters within an astonishing three months, according to the Managing Director of the Company, Mingma Sherpa.

Previously, climber Nirmal Purja held the record for scaling the 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in six months and six days back in 2019. Harila and Sherpa had set an ambitious target of achieving the same feat within four months, which they triumphantly accomplished.

Harila had already made history as the first woman climber to achieve the fastest ascent of 14 mountains above 8,000 meters within a single year and five days.

The impressive list of mountains scaled by both Harila and Sherpa includes Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-II, Gasherbrum-I, Broad Peak, and Mt K2.

In recognition of their extraordinary achievements, a special program will be organized at Nepal Tourism Board to congratulate and honor these exceptional climbers, as confirmed by the Association.