MINGMA DAVID SHERPA, HIMALAYAN LEGEND
ABOUT MINGMA DAVID SHERPA
Born 16th of May 1989 in Taplejung District, Nepal, located deep within the Himalayas to the north of Nepal, Mingma was destined in many ways to become a mountaineer.
Among his most notable achievements was Mingma's support role as Sherpa to Nimsdai during his mission to summit all 14 peaks above 8000m. As well as providing essential support, Mingma stood shoulder to shoulder with Nimsdai on 8 of them. Until 2024 he was the youngest person to have climbed all 14 peaks above 8000m, a feat he achieved in just 6 months and 6 days. Mingma also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest to climb Mt Everest and K2 back-to-back, which he completed in 61 Days. He is one of 10 Nepali Mountaineers who successfully summited K2 in Winter and holds the World Record for the most summits of K2. Which he has successfully completed 6 times.
MINGMA ATTEMPTS K2 FOR THE 7th TIME
In July 2025, Mingma once again returned to the Karakoram Mountain Range to summit K2. This would have been his 7th time and would have set a new world record for the number of times someone has successfully climbed the world's second highest mountain. After weeks of waiting for a window of opportunity, Mingma and his team made the tough decision to cancel the expedition. Bad weather, rockslides and avalanches made the risk just too great.
In Mingma's own words "when the mountain speaks, we must listen". He said the safety of Him and his team must come before everything else, but he will return again in 2026 and hopefully add another ascent of K2 to the long list of successful climbs.
BEYOND WORLD RECORDS. ADVOCACY, CHARITY AND RESCUE WORK.
When Mingma isn't climbing mountains, he is spending his time supporting those who do. A co-founder of Elite Exped, a company founded with Nims Purja (Nimsdai) and Mingma Tenzi (since 2017), the company shares profits and equity with Sherpa guides - an effort to uplift local climbers economically and socially. Mingma is also a voice for change, he advocates for formalised mountain rescue infrastructure, fair wages for mountaineers and improved safety standards. In one season he personally delivered an astonishing 52 rescues, exemplifying both skill and compassion.
Mingma is also an advocate for 'Sustainable Mountaineering' and outspoken about the impacts of climate change, such as unstable icefalls and melting glaciers, stressing stewardship of the Himalayas for the future prosperity of its inhabitants and for those who wish to visit.
A NATIONAL HERO AND INSPIRATION TO ALL, MINGMA'S LEGACY WILL LAST FOREVER.
After returning to Kathmandu from his record breaking climbs, Mingma was greeted with a hero's welcome. His journey is truly one of courage and emblematic of both Nepal's climbing culture and the importance of the Sherpa people within this culture. Not only has he has been instrumental in bringing the Sherpa people to the forefront of mountaineering where they truly belong, he has helped elevate their status to that of the elite athletes and entrepreneurs that they truly deserve. Helping them gain rightful recognition and influence. Beyond this, his advocacy is pushing towards government backed rescue teams, fair wage structures and environmental accountability, instilling enhanced professionalism across Nepali expeditions.
IN SUMMARY
Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa is more than a mountaineer; he’s a torchbearer for a modern Sherpa identity. Record-maker, rescuer, advocate, environmentalist, entrepreneur, and national hero. Mingma is a positive voice for change and a truly inspirational force, his legacy extends beyond the summits to every aspect of Himalayan culture, paving the way for future climbers.
We look forward to following his journey and will continue to support Mingma. He will continue to test the Himalayan Project to its limits on future expeditions, and it will once again accompany him next year on his second attempt to summit K2 for the 7th time.
