Nimsdai’s Project Possible: How Nirmal Purja Climbed 14 Peaks in 6 Months

Climbing one of the world’s highest peaks is a dream that takes years of preparation, immense courage, and a strong body. For many mountaineers, just reaching the summit of Mount Everest is the achievement of a lifetime. But what if someone told you they could climb all 14 of the world’s highest mountains — each over 8,000 meters — in just a few months?

That’s exactly what Nirmal Purja, also known as Nimsdai, set out to do with his ambitious mission, Project Possible. And unbelievably, he did it — completing the challenge in just 6 months and 6 days, smashing the previous record that had stood for years.

This is not just a mountaineering story. It’s about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and redefining human limits. Let’s dive into how Nimsdai achieved one of the greatest mountaineering feats in history.

Who is Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai)?

Nirmal Purja, better known by his nickname Nimsdai, is a Nepali mountaineer with a story as inspiring as his achievements. Born in Myagdi, Nepal, and later raised in Chitwan, his early life was humble. Unlike many professional climbers, Nirmal didn’t grow up in the Himalayas chasing peaks.

Instead, he first built his career in the military. He joined the Gurkhas, an elite military unit in the British Army known for their bravery. Later, he served in the UK Special Boat Service (SBS), one of the most elite forces in the world. His military background taught him discipline, endurance, and leadership — all of which became critical for his mountaineering journey.

Leaving behind a stable career in the military wasn’t easy, but Nimsdai had a bigger dream: to show the world what was possible in mountaineering and to prove that “Nothing is Impossible.”

What Was Project Possible?

Project Possible was Nimsdai’s bold mission to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in under 7 months. For context, the previous record for this challenge was nearly 8 years.

Here’s why the challenge was groundbreaking:

• Altitude: At 8,000 meters, the human body starts to shut down. This zone is often called the “Death Zone.”
• Logistics: These peaks are spread across Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet, requiring visas, permits, and tight planning.
• Weather: Each peak has a small climbing window, making timing critical.
• Funding: Mountaineering at this level is expensive, and Nimsdai initially struggled to secure sponsors.

Despite these challenges, he went ahead, naming it Project Possible because he wanted to prove that limits exist only in the mind.

Timeline of Project Possible

Nimsdai broke down the challenge into three phases across different regions of the Himalayas and Karakoram.

Phase 1 (April–May 2019) – Nepal (6 Peaks)

• Annapurna (April 23, 2019) – One of the most dangerous peaks.
• Dhaulagiri (May 12, 2019) – Harsh weather tested the team.
• Kanchenjunga (May 15, 2019) – Nims rescued climbers even while pushing his limits.
• Everest (May 22, 2019)
• Lhotse (May 22, 2019) – Climbed right after Everest.
• Makalu (May 24, 2019)

This was also when his viral photo of the Everest traffic jam shook the world. That image showed the long line of climbers waiting to summit Everest — highlighting overcrowding issues in modern mountaineering.

Phase 2 (July 2019) – Pakistan (5 Peaks)

• Nanga Parbat (July 3, 2019)
• Gasherbrum I (July 15, 2019)
• Gasherbrum II (July 18, 2019)
• K2 (July 24, 2019) – Known as the “Savage Mountain,” it’s considered the hardest of them all. In fact, Nims’ team was the only one to summit K2 that season.
• Broad Peak (July 26, 2019)

Phase 3 (September–October 2019) – Tibet (3 Peaks)

• Cho Oyu (September 23, 2019)
• Manaslu (September 27, 2019)
• Shishapangma (October 29, 2019) – The final summit that completed Project Possible.

By the end, he had summited all 14 peaks in 189 days — an achievement many thought was humanly impossible.

Challenges Faced During Project Possible

Every great achievement comes with obstacles, and Nimsdai’s journey was no different.

1. Hypoxia and Fatigue – At extreme altitudes, oxygen levels drop drastically, causing hypoxia (lack of oxygen). Yet Nims pushed through.
2. Financial Struggles – He even remortgaged his house to fund the project before sponsorships came in.
3. Unpredictable Weather – Peaks like Annapurna and K2 are infamous for deadly conditions.
4. Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles – Securing permits, especially for Shishapangma in Tibet, wasn’t easy.
5. Physical Exhaustion – Climbing one 8,000-meter peak takes a massive toll. Doing 14 back-to-back was unheard of.

Key Achievements of Project Possible

Nirmal Purja’s project created several world records and unforgettable moments:

• Fastest ascent of all 14 peaks – Completed in 6 months, 6 days.
• Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu in 48 hours – Three 8,000m peaks in just 2 days.
• Rescue Missions – He saved multiple climbers during his own climbs.
• Recognition of Sherpas – He highlighted the contributions of Nepali Sherpas, giving them global attention.
• Global Awareness – His viral photo from Everest became one of the most iconic mountaineering images of all time.

The Impact of Project Possible

Nimsdai’s mission wasn’t just about breaking records; it changed the way the world looked at mountaineering.

• Inspiration Worldwide – Millions watched his journey and felt motivated to push their own limits.
• Netflix Documentary: 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible – Released in 2021, it introduced his story to a global audience.
• Nepalese Pride – He put Nepalese climbers at the center of world mountaineering conversations.
• Redefining Human Potential – His story proved that with the right mindset, training, and teamwork, impossible dreams can be turned into reality.

Lessons We Can Learn from Nimsdai

1. Discipline Matters – His military background taught him structure and endurance.
2. Teamwork is Everything – He constantly credits his Sherpa teammates.
3. Resilience Over Circumstance – Even when sponsorships fell through, he kept going.
4. Dream Big – Setting impossible goals can change not just your life, but the lives of others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is Nirmal Purja’s Project Possible?

Project Possible was Nirmal Purja’s mission to climb all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters in under 7 months. He completed it in just 6 months and 6 days in 2019.

2. How many mountains did Nimsdai climb in Project Possible?

He climbed all 14 mountains over 8,000 meters, including Everest, K2, Annapurna, and Shishapangma.

3. What record did Nirmal Purja set?

Nirmal Purja set the world record for the fastest ascent of all 14 peaks above 8,000m, completing them in less than 7 months.

4. What is the Netflix documentary about Nimsdai?

The documentary is called “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible” and it covers his incredible journey through Project Possible.

5. Why is Nirmal Purja famous?

He is famous for his mountaineering achievements, including his Project Possible record, his viral Everest traffic jam photo, and for highlighting the role of Nepalese Sherpas in global mountaineering.

Conclusion

Nimsdai’s Project Possible is more than just a climbing record. It’s a story of determination, courage, and a refusal to accept limits. In just 6 months, he achieved what the world thought would take decades.

For anyone chasing big dreams, whether it’s in sports, business, or personal life, Nimsdai’s story is a reminder that limits exist only in the mind. When you combine passion with persistence, truly nothing is impossible.