Kanchenjunga Base Camp, May 23, 2025 — A wave of elation swept through the mountaineering community today as Imagine Nepal announced the successful summit of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest peak, by a team of 10 climbers. The group, composed of six international climbers and four seasoned Sherpas from Imagine Nepal, stood on the summit at approximately 7:00 AM NPT.
This victory is especially poignant given the challenges faced by the same team in 2024, when inclement weather and route difficulties forced them to turn back. Drawing lessons from that experience, this year’s expedition was strategically timed, commencing from Kathmandu on May 3, 2025. Their careful planning paid off handsomely, with favourable weather allowing for a swift and efficient climb without prolonged delays at base camp. In just three weeks, the team achieved what many aspire to: a successful ascent of one of the most demanding peaks on Earth.
Personal Triumphs and National Achievements
Today’s summit of Kanchenjunga is a remarkable milestone for several climbers, highlighting both personal achievements and national pride.
Mr Sirbaz Khan
Sirbaz Khan’s remarkable achievement of summiting all 14 of the world’s highest peaks without the use of supplementary oxygen is a testament to his extraordinary mountaineering skills and determination. His recent ascent of Kanchenjunga, completed on 18 May, marks his second successful summit of this formidable peak, following his oxygen-free climb of Annapurna in April. This feat distinguishes him as the first climber from Pakistan to conquer all 14 of the 8,000-meter peaks under these challenging conditions. By October 2024, Sirbaz had reached the summit of all these peaks, with 12 accomplished without oxygen.
Ms Naila Kiani
Meanwhile, Naila Kiani is also making strides in the world of high-altitude climbing. With her recent ascent of Kanchenjunga, she has now conquered 12 out of the 14 eight-thousanders, leaving only Dhaulagiri and Shishapangma to complete her list. Kiani has previously summited notable peaks including K2, Everest, and Nanga Parbat, establishing herself as the only female from Pakistan to have climbed most of the 8000ers. Her determination and achievements are an inspiration, highlighting the growing presence and accomplishments of Pakistani climbers on the global stage.
Dr Sashko Kedev
Dr. Sashko Kedev’s accomplishments in high-altitude mountaineering are truly remarkable. As a Macedonian climber, he has successfully summited 13 of the 14 highest peaks in the world, known as the “8000ers,” showcasing his determination and skill. His recent achievement on Kanchenjunga marks another significant milestone, leaving only Gasherbrum-I to conquer. By 2024, Dr. Kedev had already achieved ascents on formidable peaks such as Makalu, Sishapangma, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-II, Annapurna, Cho Oyu, Broad Peak, K2, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Everest, and Lhotse.
Mr Hakon Asvang
The Norwegian climber, Mr Hakon Asvang, also scaled Kanchenjunga to his 8000 meters list. With Kanchenjunga Mr Hakon Asvang completes 7 8000 meters peak including Everest, K2, Makalu, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Mr. Wang Zhong
Climbing Kanchenjunga with the group, a Chinese climber Mr Wang Zhong also completes 8 of the 14 highest peaks adding Kanchenjunga to the list. Mr Wang has climbed Everest, K2, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Manaslu and Annapurna.
Ms Maria Alexandra Danila
On the list, we have a Romanian climber Ms Maria Alexandra Danila to summit Kanchenjunga. On her 8000er list Maria has Everest and Annapurna. She is also in the mission to complete all 14 world’s highest peaks.
Mr Pemba Chhiri Sherpa
With the addition of Kanchenjunga, Pemba Chhiri Sherpa has summited 12 of the 14 peaks. His climbs include Everest, K2, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Gasherbrum I & II, and Broad Peak.
Mr Ngima Nuru Sherpa
Ngima Nuru Sherpa from Thame Village has completed 10 of the 14 peaks with his recent ascent of Kanchenjunga, which includes the summits of Everest, K2, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, and Shishapangma.
Mr Kili Pemba Sherpa
Kili Pemba Sherpa has conquered 13 of the 14 highest peaks. He is one of the 10 Nepalese climbers who made a historic ascent of Mount K2 in the winter of 2021.
Mr Prem Bahadur Tamang
Last but not least, Mr Prem Bahadur Tamang joined Imagine Nepal a couple of years ago and has since proven himself to be one of the strongest Sherpas working with the organization.
We are pleased to announce that all the climbers are safe and back at Camp IV. The team is now heading to Camp II. Congratulations to the entire Kanchenjunga team!