Amidst a jubilant atmosphere, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) extended a grandiose welcome and offered heartfelt felicitations to the record holder climbers Tenjen Sherpa, Kristin Harila and Nima Rinji Sherpa among others.

At an official ceremony held at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) hall in Bhrikutimandap, NMA honored Tenjen, Kristin and Nima with Silver Badge and letter of appreciation. NMA also honored Muktu Sherpa, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa and Pechhumbe Sherpa with a Letter of Appreciation. 

Tenjen, a resident of Makalu Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha and Kristin from Norway jointly hold the record of fastest completion of all the 14 eight-thousanders. Harila and Tenjin scaled Mount K2 in Pakistan last week, thus completing the ascent of the 14th peaks - that is more than 8000 meters (about 26,000 feet) - high in 92 days, shattering the previous record held by Nirmal Purja aka ‘’Nims Dai’’.

At the age of 17, Nima, who shares the same address as Tenjen, has etched his name as the youngest summiteer of Mt. K2, the world's second-highest peak. Meanwhile, Muktu, Ang Dawa, Ngima, and Pechhumbe have scripted a unique chapter in history by becoming the first set of siblings from the same parents to conquer the challenging heights of Mt. K2 together. All the climbers returned back to Nepal this morning from Pakistan via Dubai. 

They were received at Tribhuvan International Airport by honorable State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ms. Sushila Sirpali Thakuri, Director General of Department of Tourism Mr. Hom Prasad Luitel, President of NMA Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa and other officials. They were given a hero’s welcome at the Kathmandu airport where hundreds including mountaineers, high level government officials and well-wishers gathered to welcome them back with cheers and flower garlands.

Subsequently, they were escorted to NTB hall for the formal felicitation with a rally. The rally embarked on a journey through various parts of Kathmandu.

Kristin joyfully shared her sentiments, expressing gratitude towards her team for their instrumental role in achieving the campaign's success. She also warmly conveyed her deep affection for Nepal,

"Without the support of Mr. Tenjen and other Sherpas who contributed, this remarkable campaign would not have achieved its success. Thus, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tenjen and all those who stood by me throughout this remarkable journey," she expressed. "Nepal has become a second home to me, and I eagerly anticipate returning on every possible occasion."

In, Bhrikutimandap, on behalf of NMA, Director of Mountain Tourism Section of Department of Tourism Mr. Rakesh Gurung conferred the Silver Medal and Presented a letter of appreciation to the climbers. He also congratulated all the climbers and extended his gratitude to NMA for organizing a felicitation program for climbers. 

‘‘I had a chance to have a personal interaction with Harila and her team before this expedition and I held a strong belief in the success of her endeavor due to her unwavering dedication," He further added, "It is an honor for me to acknowledge their accomplishments at this moment. I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Kristin, Tenjen, Nima, and all the climbers for their remarkable feat."

NMA's Chief Advisor, Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa, heralded this achievement as unparalleled. He said, "undoubtedly, this is an immensely significant accomplishment. Personally, and in all capacities, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the climbers who have secured these records".

NMA's President, Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa, expressed gratitude to everyone who played a part in ensuring the success of this program. "In my perspective, this event should have been organized in a unique manner, at an exceptional location, and celebrated at a distinct level." He added, " However, it's only the NMA trying hard for the betterment of mountain tourism, environmental conservation, and the welfare of mountain communities."

NMA advisor Mr. Mingma Sherpa and Chairman of Makalu Rural Municipality Mr. Ongdi Tshering Sherpa also seconded the thoughts of the NMA president. 

The program was attended by various luminaries including head of administration at Royal Norwegian Embassy Ms. Elisbeth Wemberg, various record holder climbers, high-level government officials and other individuals. Senior Vice President of NMA Mr. Thakur Raj Pandey had welcome remarks whereas the General Secretary Mr. Mohan Lamsal moderated the program.