On the morning of May 21st at 8:00 am, Prakash Sherpa and Christian De Jong stood proudly on the summit of Nuptse, reaching the true summit of this magnificent mountain towering at 7,861 meters. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in their mountaineering careers, as Nuptse has been conquered by only 22 individuals since the first ascent in 1961 based on the latest information.

The successful ascent of Nuptse is a testament to the exceptional skills, perseverance, and unwavering spirit of Prakash and Christian. These two alpinists have shared incredible adventures together, pushing the boundaries of their mountaineering capabilities. Prior to their Nuptse triumph, they demonstrated their expertise by climbing other formidable peaks using the purest form of mountaineering – alpine style. They have previously summited Kyajo Ri (6,186m), Cholatse (6,440m), and Pumori (7,261m), showcasing their ability to thrive in challenging environments and testing their limits. As climbing partners, communication and prior climbs together, was a big part of their success.

The journey began from Base Camp, situated at approximately 5,300m, the popular Everest Base Camp, where the climbers spend a few days after Pumori climb to save energy for Nuptse ascent. From Base Camp, they continued their ascent to Camp 2 by crossing the Khumbu Icefall, skipping Camp 1 as they were already acclimatised. From there, they follow the route to Nuptse camp 3 (6,800m). They used Camp 3 only for a few hours to rest as they left at the midnight for the summit push. The route involved ascending steep slopes and potentially encountering strong winds and low temperatures. After a long sleep ascent they reached the final Nuptse ridge, a very exposed ridge that they had to ride in some parts and cross very carefully to arrive to the main summit of Nuptse. From the summit, and during the climb, they had very rare views of Everest and Lhotse that only few people have seen until now. After spending a few minutes to the summit, they descent slowly and safely to Camp 2 and the next day to the base camp.

The successful Nuptse expedition not only highlights the individual accomplishments of Prakash and Christian but also showcases the beauty and allure of the mountains themselves. It serves as an inspiration to aspiring mountaineers, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and push their limits.

As they descend from the heights of Nuptse, Prakash and Christian carry with them a profound sense of achievement, unforgettable memories, and a renewed determination to continue exploring the world’s most challenging peaks. Their unwavering commitment to alpine-style mountaineering and their remarkable achievements will forever be etched in the annals of mountaineering history.

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