KATHMANDU: Nepali mountaineer Nima Rinji Sherpa has received the ‘Sherpa of the Year’ award from the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA) for his achievements and contribution to mountaineering.

The award was presented jointly by UAAA President In-Jeong Lee and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) President Fur Gelje Sherpa at a ceremony on Thursday. The award carries a cash prize of US$1,000.

UAAA General Secretary Cristine Pae and Treasurer Hang Wang attended the ceremony, while NMA General Secretary Rajendra Bahadur Lama, Secretariat Member Furi Geljen Sherpa, Central Executive Board Member Dendi Sherpa and Chief Administrative Officer Jinesh Sindurakar represented the NMA.

Nima Rinji, from the Makalu region of eastern Nepal, became the youngest person to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks. He completed the feat at the age of 18 years, five months and 21 days after summiting Shishapangma in China on October 9, 2024. He completed all 14 peaks in 740 days, beginning with Manaslu in September 2022.

The Guinness World Records has recognised him as the youngest climber to complete all 14 eight-thousanders. He also holds records for being the youngest climber to summit K2 and the Pakistan Five, as well as the top two, top three and top five highest 8,000-metre peaks.

Born into a family with a long mountaineering background, Nima Rinji began his high-altitude climbing career at 16. His father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, is a mountaineer and head of 14 Peaks Expedition, while his uncles Mingma Sherpa and Chhang Dawa Sherpa were the first siblings to climb all 14 eight-thousanders.

Nima Rinji has also spoken about using his profile to promote responsible mountaineering and raise awareness about environmental issues in the Himalayas. He has been appointed, along with Purnima Shrestha, as a climate influencer for UNDP Nepal.

The NMA described the UAAA award as recognition of his contribution to the mountaineering community.