When it comes to high-altitude mountaineering, few names command the respect and admiration that Elite Exped Director Mingma David Sherpa does. A world-renowned climber and integral member of our expeds, Mingma David has carved his name into the mountaineering history books - not least through his exceptional feats on K2, the second-highest and arguably most dangerous mountain in the world.
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Nims and Mingma David in K2 during Project Possible mission
Mingma David holds the World Record for the most summits of K2 by any person – currently six – including being part of the ground-breaking K2 Winter first summit team in 2021.
His last summit of K2 on July 28th, 2023, set him apart in the record books and showcased his resilience and skill on this tough and technical mountain. This year, Mingma David is returning to K2 to try and break his own K2 climbing record. He said he is excited about the prospect of a seventh summit and was looking forward to starting the attempt.
Located in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, K2 stands tall at 8,611 metres. It is not nicknamed the Savage Mountain for nothing. Known for its notoriously harsh weather, steep technical sections and high fatality rate, K2 has long been viewed as the ultimate test for elite climbers. Yet for Mingma David Sherpa, the mountain represents more than a challenge - it’s a place where history is made.
On 16 January 2021, Mingma David Sherpa was part of the all-Nepali team that completed the first-ever winter ascent of K2 - a feat that mountaineers had attempted in vain for decades. Battling sub-zero temperatures and brutal winds, Mingma David, Nims Purja, Mingma G and the team strode to the summit arm-in-arm. Singing the Nepalese national anthem – a moment that sent a clear message of brotherhood, teamwork and joint strength to the world. It was a proud moment for Nepal and a milestone in the history of alpinism.
This historic achievement brought global recognition to Mingma David Sherpa, Nims Purja, Mingma G and the Elite Exped team. The ground-breaking feat remains one of the most celebrated events in modern mountaineering, thanks to the grit, unity and leadership shown by the team.
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Training at K2 basecamp
Mingma David Sherpa is not only an accomplished climber but also a dedicated expedition leader. This year, he will be organising the teams for K2 with Elite Exped, ensuring clients achieve their own dreams, before he takes on his own personal challenge. His intimate knowledge of the mountain and calm leadership under pressure make him a trusted figure in the climbing community.
With over 40 ascents of 8,000-metre peaks to his name, including Everest, Lhotse, and Manaslu, Mingma David’s accomplishments are exceptional. But it is his connection to K2 - the savage mountain tamed in winter - that continues to inspire climbers across the globe.
For those seeking to follow in the footsteps of legends, climbing K2 with Mingma David and Elite Exped offers more than a summit - it’s a chance to be mentored by one of the world’s most respected mountaineers, and a true K2 specialist.
