Imagine Nepal K2 Expedition 2023 Reaches Summit
The Imagine Nepal Mount K2 Expedition team has successfully made it to the summit of Mount K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. MingmaG, the founder of Imagine Nepal, reported that the team of four clients, four sherpas, and a partner from Pakistan, Mr Shahbaz Khan, reached the summit on July 27 at 11:00 am local time. The expected number of climbers for the summit push was around 180 climbers.
Mount K2, towering at an elevation of 8,611 meters, is a legendary mountain located in the Karakoram Mountain range. This remarkable feat was achieved by a team of determined and skilled mountaineers who faced immense challenges. The expedition started its arduous journey for the summit push at 11:30 pm on July 26, braving the treacherous conditions for which the mountain is infamous. Over 180 climbers were expected to attempt the summit push, making this an incredibly challenging endeavour.
The Summiteers from Imagine Nepal
- 1. Mr. Zeng Huiwen from China
- 2. Mr Zheng Lumin from China
- 3. Mr John Lawrie from Australia
- 4. Ms Sim Phei Sunn from Singapore
- 5. Kili Pemba Sherpa from Nepal
- 6. Ngima Nuru Sherpa from Nepal
- 7. Pasang Ngima Sherpa from Nepal
- 8. Phur Galjen Sherpa from Nepal
- 9. Shahbaz Khan from Pakistan
Climbing Mount K2
The unpredictable weather conditions and delayed summit route fixing further complicated this year’s expedition. The climbers patiently waited until the route fixing was completed and commenced their summit push at 6 pm on July 26. The team capitalized on the first weather window of the season, navigating their way through the rugged terrain and pressing forward towards the summit. It was an awe-inspiring sight, witnessing a long queue of determined climbers progressing towards the peak, following in the footsteps of the route-fixing team.
The expedition route fixing was a testament to the collaborative efforts of various Nepalese companies. Lakpa Sherpa from the Imagine Nepal team played an instrumental role in the summit route fixing. Additionally, Phur Galjen Sherpa contributed to the earlier stage of rope fixing.
Among the remarkable achievements of the climb:
– An Australian citizen, John Lawrie, achieved this feat without using oxygen supplements.
– Zeng Huiwen climbed Everest in 2019 and Manaslu in 2018 with Imagine Nepal, showcasing his exceptional mountaineering prowess.
– Shahbaz Khan from Pakistan debuted his first ascent of 8000 meters mountain with K2. He is the brother of the renowned Pakistani climber Sirbaz Khan.
– Kili Pemba Sherpa, also known as Kilu, is one of the ten Nepalese climbers who made a historic winter ascent of Mount K2 in 2021 under Mingma G’s team. Kilu is from Rolwaling village, known for producing esteemed Sherpa mountaineers. Kilu has now conquered nine out of the fourteen eight-thousanders.
– Phur Galjen Sherpa, who has also conquered nine of the fourteen eight-thousanders, holds an additional distinction. He is among the select five Nepalese climbers who have successfully summited Yalung Khang, an imposing peak at 8,505 meters.
– Ngima Nuru Sherpa, a young and energetic climbing Sherpa from Khumbu, the legendary Everest region, had reached the summit of Everest four times, along with climbing other prominent peaks such as Amadablam, Dolma Khang, and Tilicho Peak, a 7,134-meter mountain in the Annapurna area.
On 28th July, Ms Tracee Lee Metcalfe adds K2 to her list of 14 8000 meters peak.
Ms Tracee Lee Metcalfe, an American citizen, along with Thundu Sherpa and Lakpa Tenjin Sherpa, made it to the summit on July 28, 2023, at 6:06 a.m. PKT. Tracee had initially aborted the summit push from 8000m due to traffic and safety concerns, but she successfully summited after resting. With this accomplishment, Tracee has climbed 8 of the highest mountains in the world. Thundu and Lakpa Tenjin are seasoned Sherpas from Imagine Nepal who have climbed Everest and other 8000 meters mountains multiple times.
The Altra Running Team from Singapore is so proud of all summiteers, especially Ms PS Sim! Well done! Wishing safe travels back home too.