KATHMANDU: A former UK Special Forces member has set the world record by successfully climbing six of the world’s highest mountains, known as the 8000ers, in just over four weeks in the spring season.

Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, 35, has succeeded in the first phase of his ambition to speed climb the world’s 14 highest mountains in just seven months, an official of the ‘Project Possible’ announced.

Nims climbed Mt Makalu, sixth of 14 mountains, early this morning, according to Mingma Sherpa, Chairman at Seven Summit Treks. Before heading for Mt Makalu summit, Nims summited Mt Everest at 05:30 am and Mt Lhotse at 15:45 pm despite heavy traffic on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for Project Possible said: “Whilst the news of this final summit of Makalu has been announced on a Facebook page we have yet to speak to Nims, his priority will be speaking with his wife and family who have endured some anxious moments over the last four to five weeks. It is clear that Nims has missed some summit windows due to the weather and unforeseen, and very tragic, rescues. He will be pursuing his bid to climb the world's 14 highest mountains in seven months once he has had some rest.”

The former British soldier was the first Gurkha to join the elite Special Boat Service and has already three World Records for speed climbing to his name.

Nims, a permanent resident of Myagdi, is the first Gurkha to climb Mt Everest while serving the British Military and a current holder of multiple World Records for the fastest ascent of double and triple header mountains in the higher than 8000m category. He also quit a prestigious job in the British Army to break more boundaries and help others move forward in their lives, realise their dreams and exceed the limitations. Purja said he has already re-mortgaged his Hampshire home to collect the fund for the ‘Project Possible’.

During the second phase, Purja plans attempt to climb five other mountains including Mt K2 by August 1. Then his final attempt will begin in September with plans to climb the remaining three peaks by November 1.

SUMMIT SUCCESS:

Mt Annapurna – April 23

Mt Dhaulagiri – May 12

Mt Kanchenjunga – May 15

Mt Everest – May 22

Mt Lhotse – May 22

Mt Makalu – May 24