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Nepali climbers create history, become the first to summit K2 in winter

K2, at 8,611 metres, is the second highest mountain in the world. It is located on the China–Pakistan border. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Kathmandu, January 16

History has been made as 10 Nepali mountaineers have reached the summit of K2, the only 8,000-metre peak yet to be summited in the winter.

The 10-man team reached the summit at 5pm local time.

The team comprising Nirmal (Nimsdai) Purja, Mingma G Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, Gelje Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, Pem Chhiri Sherpa, Kilu Pemba Sherpa, Dawa Tenjing Sherpa and Sona Sherpa, who had left Camp IV at 1 am, reached the summit as they were lucky to have good weather along the way.

All of them reached the top together as they waited for 10 metres ahead to regroup before heading toward the summit together.

Out of the 10, Nirmal Purja climbed without supplemental Oxygen (O2).

Chhang Dawa said that the Nepali team reached the summit in 16 hours. 

“They have reached the summit. This is great news for Nepal and Nepali mountaineers,” said Chhang Dawal Sherpa from the base camp.

The decent, however, is expected to be tough as they will have to do so during the dark. There have been no reports as to till where they will decent today.

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Pant is an independent journalist based in Kathmandu. He covers issues ranging from tech, music, mountains, biodiversity and environment.

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