Beyond Possible is the story of Nepali mountaineer Nims Purja’s attempt to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks in just six months. It narrowly misses being a mere climbing diary, as Purja occasionally pauses his narrative to describe some elemental detail of Himalayan life or landscape that he feels helps contextualize his journey. Readers gain access not only to his innermost thoughts and motivations but also an intimate understanding of the culture and people who have called these mountains home for centuries. The climaxes are powerful–the moments when sheer physicality and mental endurance are pushed to their limits amid environments where one misstep could be fatal. But it is ultimately the author’s love for Nepal that makes Beyond Possible so compelling, lending beauty even to scenes of immense danger.” This book gives readers an intimate view into Nepali mountaineering culture while following climber Nimss Punja on his attempt summit all 14 eight thousand meter peaks in 6 months (a world record). We get glimpses into Mr. Punjas’ personal life as well as what drives him push himself mentally and physically during this grueling achievement.
For who is this book for ?
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about mountaineering, Nepali culture and the Himalayas. It would also be of interest to those who appreciate extreme sports challenges or outdoor adventure memoirs.
Pros :
- The author provides great insight into Himalayan culture
- The book is well written and easy to follow
- Provides an intimate view into the mind of a mountaineer
Cons :
- The author occasionally interrupts the flow of the story to describe aspects of Nepali life or landscape that frankly could have been left out.
- The book lacks maps which would be helpful for readers trying to follow Mr. Punja’s routes up each mountain.
- At times it reads more like a journal than a complete narrative, making it difficult to keep track of all 14 peaks.
Learn more about the author
Nims Punja is a Nepali mountaineer and the first person to summit all 14 eight thousand meter peaks in 6 months.
Reader Reviews
“5.0 out of 5 stars Himalayan Highs and LowsJune 12, 2019 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase This book was a great read! Nims tells the story of his attempt to summit all 14 8000 meter peaks in just 6 months. Along the way he provides insights into Nepali culture and mountain life that make this more than just a climbing diary. The highs are really high – when you’re pushing yourself to your limits amidst some of the most dangerous environments on earth. But it’s ultimately Mr. Punjas’ love for Nepal that makes Beyond Possible so compelling.”
“Nims Purja’s Beyond Possible is a Himalayan odyssey of the first order. Gripping, visceral, and lyrical all at once, it brings to life both the author’s quest for world-record glory on some of the planet’s most forbidding peaks and an ancient mountain culture whose ways are fast disappearing. Anyone who has ever gazed with envy at pictures of climbers standing atop remote snowdrifts will find much to admire in Purja’s achievement.”
“Nims Purja has written a captivating and riveting story of his successful attempt to summit all 14 8,000 meter peaks in just 6 months. His writing takes the reader on an adventure that is hard to put down. The level of detail he provides about the culture, landscape and people encountered along the way give readers a rich understanding not only of this challenging undertaking but also of life in Nepal.”
“Beyond Possible is a compelling and beautifully written story of one man’s attempt to summit all fourteen 8,000 meter peaks in only six months. Written with heart and soul, Purja’s journey takes the reader on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Nepal and its people. This book is a must read for anyone who loves mountaineering or simply desires an insight into Nepali culture.”
