The Khumbu region of Nepal, where most of our founders, instructors, and trainees call home.
14 Peaks Mountaineering Institute exists to close one gap: the distance between exceptional mountain experience and internationally recognized training and certification.
For generations, the people of the Khumbu have built their lives in the mountains—guiding expeditions, fixing ropes, and working on the world's highest peaks. Yet many have never had access to the same professional training and certification available elsewhere in the world.
Founded by the family behind 14 Peaks Expedition, the Institute is led by Nima Rinji Sherpa—the youngest person in history to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks—alongside veteran expedition leaders Tashi Lakpa Sherpa and Pasang Phurba Sherpa.
Like its inaugural program, this cohort is fully funded. Training is provided free of charge, ensuring that opportunity is defined by commitment and potential—not financial means. The program is open to applicants from all backgrounds.
Training is led by industry-leading Sherpa instructors certified to International Standard, supported by internationally respected mountain doctors, rescue specialists, and technical instructors who bring real-world expertise from the world's highest peaks.
The future of mountaineering depends on making world-class education accessible to those who are ready to earn it.