Renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja has highlighted the immense potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Nepal in mountaineering and adventure tourism, describing Pakistan as one of the world’s finest destinations for high-altitude climbing and calling for closer collaboration to develop the sector.
Nepalese mountaineer sees Pakistan as a premier mountaineering destination
By Shams Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Jun 30 (APP): Renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja has highlighted the immense potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Nepal in mountaineering and adventure tourism, describing Pakistan as one of the world’s finest destinations for high-altitude climbing and calling for closer collaboration to develop the sector.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with APP on the sidelines of a reception hosted by Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, in his honour, Legendry Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja said both countries possess extraordinary mountain landscapes that can serve as a strong foundation for expanding adventure tourism and strengthening bilateral ties.
The reception was attended by members of the mountaineering community, diplomats and journalists, celebrating the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Nepal through their shared heritage of mountaineering and adventure tourism.
Purja, who is currently leading a mountaineering expedition in Pakistan’s northern regions, said mountaineering and adventure tourism constitute a multi-billion-dollar global industry, offering enormous economic opportunities for countries blessed with towering peaks.
“There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Nepal in mountaineering and adventure tourism,” he said, adding that realizing this potential would require sustained government support, greater private-sector investment and enhanced international cooperation.
He stressed that successful mountaineering extends beyond passion and determination, requiring modern technology, professional training, advanced rescue systems and internationally recognized safety standards.
Strengthening these capabilities, he said, would improve climber safety while enhancing Pakistan’s reputation as a world-class adventure tourism destination.
Purja praised the hospitality of the Pakistani people, describing it as one of the country’s greatest assets. He said Pakistan’s spectacular mountain ranges, coupled with the warmth and generosity of its people, make it an increasingly attractive destination for climbers and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
He also emphasized the importance of investing in the capacity-building of Pakistani mountaineers, guides and high-altitude rescue personnel.
Nepal’s four decades of experience in mountain tourism, expedition management and rescue operations, he noted, could provide a valuable model for Pakistan’s growing adventure tourism industry.
Expressing optimism about the future, Purja said closer cooperation between the two countries would not only boost tourism and generate employment but also help position Pakistan among the world’s leading destinations for mountaineering and adventure travel.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers, Purja achieved international recognition after leading the historic first-ever winter ascent of K2 in 2021 alongside an all-Nepali team an achievement long regarded as the “last great challenge” in mountaineering.
He has climbed all five of Pakistan’s mountains rising above 8,000 metres, including K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II.
In 2025, he also set a new world record by completing 50 ascents of peaks above 8,000 metres after summiting Nanga Parbat.
Purja is equally renowned for completing all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders in just six months and six days in 2019, a feat that redefined the limits of high-altitude mountaineering.
He also became the first climber to summit Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu within 48 hours.
Beyond his climbing achievements, Purja is the founder of Elite Exped, an expedition company that organizes guided climbs in Pakistan and promotes responsible mountain tourism.
He has consistently advocated for employing and empowering local high-altitude porters and guides in Gilgit-Baltistan, underscoring the importance of ensuring that mountain tourism directly benefits local communities.
Born in Nepal’s Myagdi District in 1983, Purja rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most celebrated mountaineers. A former Gurkha soldier and member of the United Kingdom’s Special Boat Service, he has inspired climbers worldwide through his extraordinary achievements, resilience and commitment to promoting sustainable adventure tourism.
