Kathmandu: Nimsdai ‘Nims’ Purja defies the notion that the sky’s the limit. He achieved the extraordinary feat of conquering all 14 of the world’s formidable ‘Death Zone’ peaks over 8000m in a stunning six months and six days. Notably, he also led the first winter ascent of the treacherous ‘Savage Mountain’ K2. With a blend of his passion for peaks and his extensive skydiving experience, his ambitions continue to soar.
What many might not know about ‘Nimsdai’ is that, in addition to his thrilling mountaineering treks, he is an accomplished skydiver with years of military high altitude parachuting knowledge gained during his time in the U.K. Special Forces.
In a bold attempt to combine these exhilarating activities, Nims has launched Skydive Nimsdai, offering aspiring adventurers the opportunity to explore the world from various perspectives, one of them being a jaw-dropping 23,000 ft free fall above the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, combined with a trek through the stunning landscape.
Home is Where the Himalayas Are
For Nims, there was never a question of where he would launch this new endeavor. Born and raised in the heart of the Himalayas, his roots run deep in the region. With a strong commitment to putting Nepal on the map, raising the profile of local people and experts, Nims’ vision for the business extends beyond adventure. It aims to give back to the community through charity events and showcase the unparalleled beauty of his homeland to the world.
According to Purja, with Skydive Nimsdai, the purpose was twofold. “Firstly, to help people push their boundaries and achieve their ‘new possible.’ To do something few have done before, and grow their confidence and skills. It was also a chance to boost the economy and tourism offerings of Nepal and bring more highly-skilled jobs to the area, enhancing the employment prospects of Nepal’s many highly knowledgeable guides and skydiving enthusiasts.”
The inaugural event held in May this year marked a pivotal moment in Nims’ career and furthered his mission to create extraordinary memories for others while contributing to the local economy and culture.
From the Ground Up
Commencing in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where explorers from diverse backgrounds united with a shared ambition to reach new heights, the journey of a lifetime began. The group was joined by the Skydive Nimsdai team, including Nims himself, before taking a flight to the cliff-edge runway of Lukla. This kicked off a mesmerizing two-day trek through awe-inspiring river valleys, surrounded by towering peaks. With each step, the group acclimatized their bodies to the climbing altitude and gained ground on Namche Bazaar, where they caught their first glimpse of the magnificent Mount Everest. The scenic beauty and the camaraderie among fellow adventurers made the trek alone an unforgettable experience.
According to Michael French, a professional skydiver from the UK, the hike was surreal. “The combination of stunning mountains and Nepali culture is something I’ll never forget.”
High Altitude, High Octane
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the skydives themselves. At Syangbouche Airport, nestled amidst the Himalayan splendor, the Skydive Nimsdai team delivered a comprehensive safety briefing before fitting up the first load and ascending to the skies in the Eurocopter AS350.
With the drop zone located at a staggering 12,400ft, the thin air required specialized oxygen equipment, adding to the excitement and allure of the experience.
Following a 20-minute climb to altitude, the jumpers took their exhilarating leap into the crisp mountain air, free-falling above the grandeur of the world’s highest peaks. After opening their Nimsdai canopies, it was time to savor a few rare moments of ultimate peace, allowing the skydivers to absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. With the drop zone situated at such a lofty altitude, the landing speed increased, offering jumpers a brisk landing that really got the adrenaline pumping.
World-Renowned Wingsuit Skydivers Shine a Spotlight on Nepal
Adding a spectacular dimension to the event, two world-renowned wingsuit skydivers, Espen Fadnes and Amber Forte, graced the occasion with their presence. Their participation helped shed light on Nepal’s region and brought a global spotlight to the event. Nimsdai’s team proudly sponsored them to attend the event, emphasizing the endless possibilities of extreme sports in Nepal.
Testimonials from Participants
Om Kumar Poudel shares his experience, “I’ve never seen the mountain so close in my life, but to be able to free fall from 23,000ft with the view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam is nothing short of amazing. But, most importantly, feeling safe while doing this extreme sport was the highlight of the trip. Skydive Nimsdai not only provided breathtaking scenery but also instilled confidence and trust in their safety measures. It was an unforgettable experience that combined adrenaline and awe-inspiring beauty with the utmost assurance of our well-being. I can’t thank them enough for making this dream adventure a reality.”
Nims added: “Skydiving is more than just an adrenaline rush for me; it’s an opportunity to explore the world from a new perspective, and I wanted to inspire others to fly high too. It’s not just about the jump either; it’s about embracing life with courage and tenacity, breaking boundaries, and creating memories that last a lifetime.”
Comment