KATHMANDU: Former King Gyanendra Shah has congratulated the Nepali team for setting a record by successfully climbing the world’s second-highest mountain Mount K2 in the winter season.

He issued a congratulatory message on Friday and highly appreciated the courageous ascent even in the coldest weather.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and respect to the courageous climbers. I have felt that such an effort has increased the prestige of Nepal and Nepalis in the world,” Shah said in his congratulatory message, “Nepal is a country of many high mountains in the world. And it is a land of many brave climbers, guides and inspirers.”

Nepali mountaineers on January 16 had set a record for the first winter ascent of Mount K2 in Pakistan.