Nimsdai Store Ambassador Tejan Gurung completes his 14 Peaks mission on Shishapangma

Inspired by his father and the work of The Brigade of Gurkhas, Tejan joined the military in 2014 when he was 19 years old as a Royal Engineer, later qualifying for the All-Arms Commando Course. Tejan earned his right to serve with the 24 Commando Regiment within the 3 Commando Brigade for a further 6 years. Designed to develop mental resolve, physical robustness, and core military skills – the All-Arms Commando Course aims to ensure the individual is ready for any demanding environment and operations. With his childhood love for Nepal, the mindset and physical fitness of a solider, Tejan summited his first 8000m peak (Everest) on 27th May 2022 followed swiftly by Lhotse on 28th May 2022 with Nimsdai Purja. Before this, the highest he had climbed was in 2017 when Tejan climbed Lobuche East at 6,145m.

After leaving the military in 2023 – following 8 years of service, Tejan (known as TJ,) wasted no time in returning to his homeland and starting the timer on his 14 Peaks Project – successfully summiting Annapurna on 15th April 2023. Often referred to the Mountain Yeti, Tejan is an integral part of exped company Elite Exped – he is one of the teams strongest and most positive climbers – using his military expertise to his and his teams’ advantage with great determination and skill.

Sadly, his 14 Peaks mountaineering dream was cruelly halted on Shishapangma in 2023, when several avalanches hit the mountain. Four exped companies were caught in the tragic disaster that killed four people – including beloved Elite Exped team members Anna Gutu and Mingmar Sherpa. Fortunately, the team were able to rescue and repatriate Anna and Mingmar and reunite them with the families – a concerted effort over seven months. Tejan returned to Shishapangma to pay tribute to his friends and finish the mountain they started together.

Standing on the summit of Shishapangma, Tejan achieved his 14 Peaks goal. He was also part of the record-breaking fastest team to climb all of the Big 5 mountains in Pakistan in 26 days in 2023. 

Tejan says: “Nepal is part of my heritage, so my love for the Big Mountains and its people have always been in my heart; I’ve always known this is where I want to be from a very young age – the mountains were my back yard.

 “The military teaches you many things in life and with that mindset and skill I have been able to conquer even my darkest of moments when on an 8000m peak. After my first exposure of high altitude climbing in 2017, I fell in love with the mountain and wanted to do more – the hunger to chase my dream and conquer all 14 Peaks really kicked in when I climbed Everest in 2022. Everyone has their own mountain to climb, and I guess mine was the 14 - I am proud I was able to start this adventure in my homeland and now look forward to being able to celebrate this achievement in Nepal once I return to Kathmandu.” 

Commenting on Tejan’s current success, Nimsdai Purja says: “TJ’s focus and resilience embody the Elite Exped spirit perfectly – there is a time to be serious and plan, and a time when you can relax and have a laugh! It has been an honour to watch TJ grow and succeed – nothing has stood in his way and with him by your side everyone can achieve their new possible! I am proud we have both been able to wave the flag for our motherland, Nepal, and show the world its beauty.”

Now he has summitted all 14 Peaks, Tejan plans to help to inspire others to achieve their new possible with Elite Exped and continue to share the wonders Nepal has to offer both on and off the mountain. Find out more about how you can achieve your new possible with Elite Exped