Born in Rolwaling, Nepal
Mingma Gyalje Sherpa
मिङ्मा ग्याल्जे शेर्पा
Also known as Mingma G
Mountaineer and IFMGA guide who led the first winter ascent of K2 without supplemental oxygen
Currently Managing Director, Imagine Nepal
About
Mingma Gyalje Sherpa grew up in Rolwaling. In this valley, mountaineering is a way of life for much of the Sherpa community. He became an IFMGA-certified mountain guide. He founded the Imagine Nepal guide service.
He climbed to the top of K2 in the summer of 2014, and again in 2017. He then set his sights on a winter climb without extra oxygen. This attempt reached its result on 16 January 2021. His team joined forces with two other Nepali expeditions. Together, they became the first climbers ever to reach the top of K2 in winter.
He has since climbed 13 of the world’s 14 mountains over eight thousand metres, without using extra oxygen. He also opened a new route to the true summit of Manaslu.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1987
- Birthplace
- Rolwaling, Nepal
- Profession
- Mountaineer, Mountain guide
- Current role
- Managing Director, Imagine Nepal
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Managing Director
Imagine Nepal
Career & life timeline
- 1987
- 2014
First summited K2, in the summer season
- 2020-01
Led an attempt on a no-supplemental-oxygen winter summit of K2
- 2021-01-16
Part of the ten-member all-Nepali team that achieved the first winter ascent of K2
Achievements
First winter ascent of K2
2021Part of the ten-member all-Nepali team that summited K2 in winter for the first time, on 16 January 2021
Climbed 13 of 14 eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen
Opened a new summit route to the true top of Manaslu
Organizations & affiliations
- Imagine Nepal
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-06