KATHMANDU: Nepali mountaineer Abiral Rai has successfully summited Mount Elbrus (5,642m), Europe's highest peak, becoming the first climber from the Thulung Rai community to achieve the feat.

Rai, 35, a permanent resident of Mukli, Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality-6, in Solukhumbu, is the first IFMGA-certified mountain guide from the Rai community. He has extensive experience in high-altitude climbing, rescue operations and international expeditions.

The ascent brings Rai closer to completing the "Seven Summits" — the challenge of climbing the highest peak on each continent. He has now summited five: Everest (8,848.86m) in Asia, Aconcagua (6,961m) in South America, Carstensz Pyramid (4,884m) in Oceania, Mount Vinson (4,892m) in Antarctica, and now Elbrus (5,642m) in Europe.

He has climbed Everest three times and has also summited Lhotse, Manaslu and numerous other peaks above 7,000m and 8,000m, in addition to dozens above 6,000m. He is the first person from the Thulung Rai community to summit Everest as well.

Rai was part of a seven-member Nepali team on the expedition, which included veteran climber Chatur Tamang, who has summited Elbrus 194 times; singer Raju Lama; IFMGA guide Bikram Karki; Nurbu Sherpa; Bikash Tamang; and Dabuti Sherpa, along with Chirring Choden of Sikkim, India.

The team said it was the first time seven Nepali climbers summited Mount Elbrus on a single expedition, calling it a new milestone in Nepali mountaineering history.

Rai is continuing his campaign to complete the remaining Seven Summits. His success is seen as a significant addition to Nepal's mountaineering record and a source of inspiration for Nepali climbers, particularly from the Thulung Rai community.