KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 1
At least 12 skydivers including world champion Espen Fadnes and legendary climber Nirmal 'Nims' Purja successfully skydived in the Everest region as Nimsdai Skydive officially launched its extreme sports initiatives in Nepal.
" Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, Kevin Thomas McNally, Micheal Andrew French, Danielle Hunt, Stephen Handley, Samuel Peter Stevens, Richard Jason Hughes, Espen Fadnes, Amber Couise Forte, Johannes Bergtors, Valeriya Alford (Female) and Om Kumar Poudel took part in the Nimsdai Skydive event," Mingma David Sherpa, Director at Elite Himalayan Adventure, said.
According to Sherpa, when it comes to Nims, saying the sky is the limit becomes irrelevant. After conquering all 14 of the world's formidable 'Death Zone' peaks over 8000m in an astonishing six months and six days and leading the first winter ascent of the treacherous 'Savage Mountain' K2, his ambitions continue to soar. He pairs his passion for peaks with his extensive skydiving experience.
Skydive Nimsdai offers aspiring adventurers the opportunity to explore the world from various perspectives, one of them being a jaw-dropping 23,000ft free fall above the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, combined with a trek through the stunning landscape.
"Adding a spectacular dimension to the event on October 30, two world-renowned wingsuit skydivers, Espen Fadnes and Amber Forte, graced the occasion with their presence. Their participation helped shed light on Nepal's region and brought a global spotlight to the event," Sherpa said.
"With Skydive Nimsdai, the purpose was twofold. Firstly, to help people push their boundaries and achieve their 'new possible.' To do something few have done before, and grow their confidence and skills. It was also a chance to boost the economy and tourism offerings of Nepal and bring more highly-skilled jobs to the area, enhancing the employment prospects of Nepal's many highly knowledgeable guides and skydiving enthusiasts," Nims said.
Commencing in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where explorers from diverse backgrounds united with a shared ambition to reach new heights, the journey of a lifetime began. The group was joined by the Skydive Nimsdai team, including Nims himself, before taking a flight to the cliff-edge runway of Lukla.
"This kicked off a mesmerizing two-day trek through awe-inspiring river valleys, surrounded by towering peaks. With each step, the group acclimatized their bodies to the climbing altitude and gained ground on Namche Bazaar, where they caught their first glimpse of the magnificent Mount Everest. The scenic beauty and the camaraderie among fellow adventurers made the trek alone an unforgettable experience."
Michael French - Professional Skydiver from the UK said "The hike was surreal; the combination of stunning mountains and Nepali culture is something I'll never forget." The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the skydives themselves. At Syangbouche airport, nestled amidst the Himalayan splendor, the Skydive Nimsdai team delivered a comprehensive safety briefing before fitting up the first load and ascending to the skies in the Eurocopter AS350.
With the drop zone located at a staggering 12,400 ft, the thin air required specialized oxygen equipment, adding to the excitement and allure of the experience.
Following a 20-minute climb to altitude, the jumpers took their exhilarating leap into the crisp mountain air, free-falling above the grandeur of the world's highest peaks. After opening their Nimsdai canopies, it was time to savor a few rare moments of ultimate peace, allowing the skydivers to absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. With the drop zone situated at such a lofty altitude, the landing speed increased, offering jumpers a brisk landing that really got the adrenaline pumping.
Om Kumar Poudel said, "I've never seen the mountains from so close in my life, but to be able to free fall from 23,000ft with the view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam is nothing short of amazing. But, most importantly, feeling safe while doing this extreme sport was the highlight of the trip. Skydive Nimsdai not only provided breathtaking scenery but also instilled confidence and trust in their safety measures. It was an unforgettable experience that combined adrenaline and awe-inspiring beauty with the utmost assurance of our well-being. I can't thank them enough for making this dream adventure a reality."
"Skydiving is more than just an adrenaline rush for me; it's an opportunity to explore the world from a new perspective, and I wanted to inspire others to fly high too. It's not just about the jump either; it's about embracing life with courage and tenacity, breaking boundaries, and creating memories that last a lifetime," Nims added.
