Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa - Record Breaking Himalayan Legend

• Name: Mingma Gyabu Sherpa (aka Mingma David).
• Born: 16 May 1989, Taplejung District, Nepal.
• Roles: Mountaineer, rescue climber, expedition guide, co‑founder of Elite Exped.

David is the youngest to summit all 14 eight-thousanders as by 29 October 2019 (age 30 years, 166 days), Mingma David had conquered all 14 peaks above 8,000m - completing the challenge in just 9 years and 159 days - earning him the Guinness World Record as the youngest person to climb all 8,000m mountains.

Fastest Everest and K2 ascent - He set another Guinness record by summiting Everest and then K2 within a remarkable 61 days, 55 minutes, using supplementary oxygen.

Historic first winter ascent of K2 - On 16 January 2021, Mingma David became one of ten Nepali climbers (including Nirmal “Nims” Purja, Mingma Tenzi, and Mingma Gyalje, among others) who achieved the first-ever winter ascent of K2.

Multiple K2 summits - He has summited K2 an impressive six times - including the 2023 ascent - reinforcing his status among the elite K2 specialists.

Mingma David has scaled each of the 14 eight-thousanders, often multiple times - and even repeatedly in one season. Highlights include:

• Mount Everest: six ascents (2010–2021).
• K2: multiple ascents, including historic winter 2021 climb.
• Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, and Shishapangma (with his final summit on Shishapangma in Oct 2019).

Piolet d’Or Asia – 2019 Sherpa of the Year
Honoured by the Union of Asian Alpine Associations for his technical excellence and environmental stewardship.

A national hero
Upon returning to Kathmandu after his record-breaking climbs, he was greeted with garlands and acclaim, solidifying his status as a national icon.

High-altitude rescue expert
Featured in the Travel Channel's *Everest Air*, he once delivered an astounding 52 rescues in a single season, showcasing both skill and compassion.

Champion for Sherpa rights
Co‑founder of Elite Exped with Nims Purja and Mingma Tenzi (since 2017), the company shares profits and equity with Sherpa guides - an effort to uplift local climbers economically and socially.

Voice for system change
Mingma David advocates for formalised mountain rescue infrastructure, fair wages for mountaineers, and improved safety standards.

Sustainable mountaineering
He’s outspoken about climate change impacts - such as unstable icefalls and melting glaciers - and stresses stewardship of the Himalayas for future prosperity.

Mingma David's journey, from 2008 porter to world-record holder and Sherpa leader, is emblematic of Nepal’s evolving climbing culture.

1. Redefined elite Sherpa roles – No longer shadows behind foreign climbers, he and his peers are now front-line high-altitude athletes and entrepreneurs.
2. Elevated Sherpa voices – With autographable records, equity in guiding firms, and global media presence, Sherpas are gaining rightful recognition and influence.
3. Pioneered safety-first culture – From rescues to trip planning, he instils enhanced professionalism across Nepali expeditions.
4. Inspires systemic uplift – His advocacy is pushing toward government-backed rescue teams, wage structures, and environmental accountability.

Mingma Gyabu “David” Sherpa is more than a mountaineering star - he’s a torchbearer for a modern Sherpa identity: record-maker, rescuer, advocate, environmentalist, entrepreneur, and national hero. His legacy extends beyond the summits to every aspect of Himalayan culture, paving the way for future climbers who dream higher and impact deeper.