KATHMANDU: At least three Sherpa climbers have completed their 13th eight-thousander by successfully scaling different mountains above 8,000 m in the Karakoram Range in the summer season.

Mingma David Sherpa from Faktalung in Taplejung district reached the summit of Broad Peak in Pakistan on July 26 completing his 13th eight-thousander this season. “I have climbed at least seven mountains above 8,000m in the last four months to make it to 13 in the list,” Sherpa, who is now at Skardu, told THT.

Sherpa, who is also a co-owner of Elite Himalayan Adventure, had first scaled Mt Annapurna in the third week of April in the last spring season becoming part of the Project Possible – 14/7- a team led by former UK’s Special Forces Member Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja. Along with Nims, Sherpa then climbed Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, K2 and Broad Peak in just over four months.

Sherpa, who had also conducted highest ever rescue on Mt Everest, said that he would try to complete all 14 mountains above 8,000 m in October by attempting to scale Mt Shishapangma in Tibet. Sherpa has already climbed Mt Everest for the sixth time, Mt K2 twice and Mt Manaslu for the third time.

Mingma Sherpa, Chairman at Seven Summit Treks, informed that Sanu Sherpa and Chheji Sherpa from Makalu of Sankhuwasabha district have also completed their 13th eight-thousander by standing atop Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II in the Karakoram Range this summer season. “The duo scaled two mountains in Pakistan guiding the international expeditions this season.”

Sanu has climbed all except Mt Dhaulagiri while Chheji Nurbu should have to stand atop Mt Sishapangma to complete all 14 mountains above 8,000m, according to Sherpa. Sanu would also attempt to climb Mt Dhaulagiri in the upcoming autumn season, he added.