Store Ambassador Tejan Gurung Becomes the Youngest Person to Complete the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits
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Time to read 4 min
From the 14 Peaks to a Place in Mountaineering History
When Tejan "TJ" Gurung stood on the summit of Shishapangma on 9 October 2024, he completed one of the most prestigious achievements in mountaineering – climbing all fourteen of the world's 8,000-metre peaks. Now, TJ has gone one step further.
On 19 June 2026, following his successful ascent of Denali, TJ completed the Seven Summits challenge and secured his place in mountaineering history. At just 31 years old, having already climbed all fourteen of the world's 8,000-metre peaks, he became the youngest person ever to complete the combined challenge of the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits. This is not simply another record. It is the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering belief that ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
A Journey That Started With a Dream
Born in Pokhara, Nepal, TJ moved to the United Kingdom in 2005 following his father's retirement from the Brigade of Gurkhas. Inspired by his father's service, TJ joined the British Army at the age of 19, serving as a Royal Engineer before earning his Green Beret through the demanding All-Arms Commando Course and serving with 24 Commando Regiment. The military instilled discipline, resilience and a relentless work ethic, qualities that would later prove invaluable in the world's highest mountains.
After leaving the Army, TJ committed himself fully to mountaineering. In just over two years, TJ completed all 14 peaks, culminating on Shishapangma in Tibet. His achievement placed him among a select group of climbers worldwide to have completed the 14 Peaks challenge.
Completing the 14 Peaks & Seven Summits
For many climbers, either the 14 Peaks or the Seven Summits would represent a lifetime ambition. TJ completed both. The Seven Summits challenge takes climbers to the highest peak on every continent, from Everest in Asia and Aconcagua in South America to Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania.
To complete both the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits requires exceptional versatility, endurance, logistics, and mental toughness. It is a challenge that spans continents, climates, and some of the harshest environments on Earth.
“Completing the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits is an incredible honour, but this achievement is about much more than standing on summits. It's about the people who inspired and supported me along the way.”
A Record Built on Consistency
TJ's achievements are remarkable not only for their scale but for their consistency. His climbing record includes 17 successful ascents above 8,000 metres, including three summits of Everest and two of Lhotse, alongside all fourteen of the world's highest mountains.
Beyond the Himalaya, he has summited Aconcagua eight times, Kilimanjaro six times, Elbrus twice, as well as Carstensz Pyramid and Mount Vinson, completing the Seven Summits challenge. From his first major ascent of Lobuche East in 2017 to standing on the highest points of every continent and all fourteen 8,000-metre peaks, TJ has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, resilience and excellence in the mountains.
To complete both the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits requires exceptional versatility, endurance, logistics, and mental toughness. It is a challenge that spans continents, climates, and some of the harshest environments on Earth.
Supported by Those Who Believe in the Impossible
Behind every great achievement is a team of people and partners who share the vision. Throughout his mountaineering journey, TJ has been proudly supported by Stirling Watches, a brand that embodies precision, resilience and performance under pressure. Built on values that closely align with the demands of high-altitude climbing, Stirling Watches has supported TJ as he pushed the limits of human endurance across some of the world's most challenging environments.
From the Himalaya to Antarctica and the Andes, Stirling Watches has been part of a journey defined by determination, discipline and excellence. Their partnership reflects a shared belief that extraordinary achievements are possible when preparation meets perseverance.
As TJ continues to inspire climbers and adventurers around the world, partnerships like Stirling Watches play an important role in helping athletes pursue ambitious goals and redefine what is possible.
More Than 14 Peaks
While the records are impressive, those who know TJ understand that his achievements are about far more than statistics. He represents a new generation of climbers who combine world-class performance with humility, professionalism and a commitment to inspiring others.
As a Director of Elite Exped and a Nimsdai Store Ambassador, TJ spends much of his time helping others achieve their own mountain dreams. Whether guiding clients on Everest, leading training expeditions, or sharing lessons from his own journey, he embodies the values that define the Nimsdai community: courage, resilience, service and purpose.
His success is also a powerful reminder of the contribution of the Gurung and wider Nepali communities to global mountaineering, continuing a proud legacy while inspiring future generations to aim higher than ever before.
Commenting on the achievement, TJ says: “Completing the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits is an incredible honour, but this achievement is about much more than standing on summits. It's about the people who inspired and supported me along the way.”
“Today, especially, I think of my dear friend and climbing partner, Anna Gutu. Her passion, determination and love for the mountains continue to inspire me every day. I also want to pay tribute to Mingmar Sherpa, whose achievements and dedication to mountaineering have motivated climbers around the world, including myself. Their spirit has been with me on every summit. This milestone belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey. I'm grateful for every lesson, every challenge and every person who helped make it possible."
The Next Chapter
TJ's story is still being written. From a young boy in Nepal to a British Commando, from his first climb on Lobuche East to standing atop all fourteen of the world's highest mountains and completing the Seven Summits, his journey proves that extraordinary achievements begin with a single step.
At Nimsdai Store, we are incredibly proud to have TJ as an Ambassador and member of the Elite Exped family. His achievements continue to inspire adventurers around the world to push beyond perceived limits and discover their own "new possible."
Congratulations, TJ.
