Mingma Tenzi Sherpa Makes Ethical Climbing History
Renowned climber Mingma Tenzi Sherpa has reached a remarkable milestone in mountaineering, summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. He completed his final climb on Cho Oyu (8,188m) from the Tibetan side, marking not only the end of a personal quest but a world-first in ethical climbing – all achieved using animal-free gear.
At 40 years old, Tenzi, who hails from Yafu, Sankhuwasabha, has become the first climber known to summit every 8,000-meter mountain without using animal-derived materials in his gear. Sponsored by the sustainable clothing brand Save The Duck, his achievement sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious and compassionate exploration.
“This accomplishment is not just about the climbs – it’s about respecting all forms of life,” Tenzi said, dedicating his success to environmental awareness and ethical adventure.
Mingma Tenzi Sherpa is no stranger to high-altitude achievement. He has summited 8,000-meter peaks more than 20 times, including 11 ascents of Mount Everest. He gained international recognition for his role in the first-ever winter ascent of K2 in 2021, alongside Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja and Mingma David Sherpa – a feat that stunned the climbing world.
Trained under both the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association, Tenzi is highly respected for his expertise in rescue operations, navigation, and rope fixing on some of the most dangerous peaks in the world, including Gasherbrum, Broad Peak, Dhaulagiri, and Makalu.
Born and raised in the remote village of Yafu, near Makalu, Tenzi began climbing at just 19 years old. He started his career guiding on trekking peaks such as Mera Peak, Island Peak, and Lobuche, honing the endurance and precision that would later define his mountaineering career.
His 8,000-meter record now includes:
Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna I, Kangchenjunga, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II, Nanga Parbat, Shishapangma, and Cho Oyu
Everest (8,848m) – 11 times
K2 (8,611m) – 3 times, including the historic 2021 winter ascent
Beyond the summits, Tenzi stands as a global advocate for sustainable and ethical mountaineering. His collaboration with Save The Duck demonstrates that world-class performance can align with environmental and moral principles. “True adventure,” Tenzi says, “should not come at the cost of nature or life.”
With Cho Oyu behind him and all 14 peaks complete, Mingma Tenzi Sherpa has not only joined the ranks of the world’s elite climbers – he has redefined what it means to climb responsibly.