Photo. Kristin Harila on the top! KristinHarila©MatiasMyklebust. FieldProductions.
K2, Pakistan – July 27th, approx. 10:45AM – In an extraordinary feat of mountaineering prowess, Kristin Harila, the Norwegian adventurer, and her dedicated climbing partner Lama (Tenjin Sherpa) have successfully summited K2, the 14th and final 8000m peak, marking a historic milestone in their mountaineering journey. This information is based on a press release from a Harila`s team. See her website.
The duo has set a new True Summit World Record of 3 months and 1 day (92 days), reflecting their unwavering determination, teamwork, and sheer tenacity throughout this monumental endeavour. Harila and Lama’s collaboration has showcased the essence of mountaineering unity, transcending borders and cultures to achieve greatness together.
Their journey began with the goal to summit the world’s most formidable peaks. Each mountain posed unique difficulties, yet their spirit and experience navigated them through every ascent, setting them apart as extraordinary alpinists. The mountains they have summitted this year are:
- Shishapangma, 8027m, China (Tibet), 26th of April 2023 (rank 14)
- Cho Oyu, 8188m, Nepal-China (Tibet), 3rd of May 2023 (rank 6)
- Makalu I, 8485m, Nepal, 13th of May 2023 (rank 5)
- Kangchenjunga, 8586m, Nepal, 18th of May 2023 (rank 3)
- Everest, 8848m, Nepal, 23rd of May 2023 (rank 1)
- Lhotse, 8516m, Nepal, 23rd of May 2023 (rank 4)
- Dhaulagiri I, 8167m, Nepal, 29th of May 2023 (rank 7)
- Annapurna I, 8091m, Nepal, 5th of June 2023 (rank 10)
- Manaslu , 8163m, Nepal, 10th of June 2023 (rank 8)
- Nanga Parbat, 8125m, Pakistan, 26th June 2023 (rank 9)
- Gasherbrum II, 8034m, Pakistan, 15th of July 2023 (rank 13)
- Gasherbrum I, 8080m, Pakistan, 18th of July 2023 (rank 11)
- Broad Peak, 8051m, Pakistan, 23rd of July 2023 (rank 12)
- K2, 8611m, Pakistan, 27th of July 2023 (rank 2)
Kristin Harila, a native of Northern Norway with a passion for the outdoors ingrained in her soul from her upbringing in the landscapes of Finnmark, has constantly pushed her own boundaries to achieve what many deemed impossible. Her pursuit of breaking records has not only rewritten mountaineering history but has also served as an inspiration to adventurers worldwide. Kristin’s dad, a sportsman himself, says: “I am both proud and moved. But I am also worried for her, and I will be very happy once she comes down and comes home. I don’t think those of us, outside of the climbing community, fully understand the breadth of what she has accomplished. And I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Lama (Tenjin Sherpa), an esteemed Sherpa from Seven Summit Treks, has been Kristin’s trusted companion on this extraordinary journey. Lama’s invaluable expertise and profound connection with the mountains have been integral to their success in navigating treacherous terrains and facing harsh weather conditions. Lama is from Makalu and has been working since he was 16 years old. He lives together with his wife, Pema Yangi Sherpa, and their two teenage boys, Lhakpa Sangae Sherpa and Lhakpa Nurbu Sherpa, in Kathmandu.
As Kristin and Lama return triumphant from this historic journey, they express their gratitude to their supporters worldwide, and the mountaineering community for their unwavering encouragement and belief in their quest.
With the completion of the 14 Peaks this year, Kristin beats her own previous True Summit record of 1 year and 5 days in 1/4th of the time, improving her list of world records:
- Fastest to Climb all 8000ers (14 Peaks), 92 Days, 14 – 8000ers, 2023 – with Lama
- Fastest Time to Climb Higher 8000ers, 69 Days, Top 5 – 8000ers, 2022
- Fastest Time to Climb Higher 8000ers – Twice, 439 Days, Top 5 – 8000ers (Twice), 2023
- Fastest Time to Climb Top Three 8000ers, 69 Days, Top 3 – 8000ers , 2022
- Fastest Time to Climb Top Three 8000ers – Twice, 439 Days, Top 3 – 8000ers (Twice), 2023
- Fastest Double Headers of higher 8000ers, 8 Hours, Everest – Lhotse, 2023
Congratulations to Kristin, Lama (Tenjen Sherpa) and the rest of the climbing team for this successful summit of K2, including Nima Rinji Sherpa and the fixing team: Pasang Nurbu Sherp, Mingtemba Sherpa (Mikel), and Ngima Dorchi Sherpa. Other climbers are also on the way to the summit including: Garbriel Tarso, Chhiring Namgel Sherpa, Mingma Tenjen Sherpa, Fura Tshering Sherpa, Flutura Ibrahimi UTA, Tenjing Sherpa, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Muktu Lakpa Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Sarah Adbovais, Lakpa Thendu Sherpa, Josette Valloton, Alina Pekova, Fedor Kuprichenkov, Adrian Laza, and Imtiaz Ali Sadpara. Kristin would also like to extend her thanks to her amazing team of sponsors: Bremont, Osprey, Scarpa, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, Sparebanken Vest, Helsport, Global Rescue, Outdoor, REAL Turmat, Aclima and Non-stop Dogwear. She would also like to thank all those who have contributed to her climb and all her followers.
See Kristin’s full climb on K2 by looking at her tracking data (local Pakistan time):
https://share.garmin.com/DAMJU
From Base Camp (July 25th at 02:42) to Camp 2 (July 25th 13:39)
From Camp 2 (July 26th at 06:53) to Camp 3 (July 26th at 13:42)
From Camp 3 (July 26th at 20:08) to Summit (July 27th at approx. 10:45)
Field Production is currently working on a documentary about Kristin’s journey to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest mountains.
For press inquiries or sponsor opportunities, please contact Rigmor Berthier at +47 464 44 982 or post@kristinharila.com. Follow her expedition on Instagram @kristin.harila!
Additional information
The Sami People: Their Legacy in Polar Expeditions.
Press release postened 9th June 2023 on Harila`s website.
The Sami people, also known as the Sámi or Saami, are the indigenous people of the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. Traditionally, the Sami have been a nomadic people who have relied on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting for their livelihood. However, over time, they have also become skilled in other areas, including guiding and assisting expeditions in the Arctic regions. They have a rich and unique culture that has been preserved for thousands of years. Read more about the Sami people on Harila`s website: The Sherpas of the North: How the Sami Helped Arctic Explorers.