Wanderlust World Wanderlust World On May 22, 2019, Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal "Nims" Purja stunned the climbing world by completing the fastest known ascent of Mount Everest from Base Camp to summit. He covered the grueling route in just 10 hours and 15 minutes, reaching the top at 8:30 AM local time.
Purja's feat was part of his "Project Possible," an ambitious quest to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in under seven months—a challenge he completed in just over six months. His Everest speed record showcases extraordinary physical conditioning, acclimatization strategy, and high-altitude efficiency.
Prior to Purja, the fastest ascent from Base Camp (South Side) was held by Pemba Dorje Sherpa (8 hours 10 minutes in 2004), though that claim has been debated. Purja's 2019 climb is widely recognized as the fastest verified time for a standard Base Camp-to-summit push using supplemental oxygen.
A former Gurkha and British Special Forces soldier, Purja has become a prominent advocate for Nepali climbers' recognition and high-altitude rescue reform. His achievement underscores the evolving limits of human performance in the "death zone" above 8,000 meters.