KATHMANDU: High-altitude mountaineer, entrepreneur, and mother of four, Nikol Kovalchuk, has successfully completed one of the most prestigious and demanding feats in global mountaineering — summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.
Her final climb, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), was completed on May 19, alongside Elite Exped and under the guidance of celebrated climber Nimsdai “Nims” Purja.
The 14 Peaks are known for pushing even the most experienced climbers to their limits. From the perilous ridgelines of Gasherbrum I to the icy walls of K2, the journey demands not only physical strength but also resilience and precise planning. Kovalchuk completed the 14 peaks between May 2023 and May 2025, an extraordinary pace that places her among an elite group of climbers globally.
In addition to the 14 Peaks Elite Exped says, Kovalchuk is also on the verge of completing the Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each continent. With six summits already behind her, including Everest, Mount Vinson, Carstensz Pyramid, and Aconcagua, she is scheduled to climb Denali in May or June 2025, which will complete the Seven Summits challenge.
Kovalchuk has climbed a total of 21 mountains with Elite Exped, showcasing a strong partnership with Nims Purja and his team.
Her journey has taken her through some of the world’s harshest environments — from the Khumbu Icefall of Everest to the frozen wilderness of Antarctica. In December 2024, she added another milestone by skiing the Last Degree to the South Pole, further emphasizing her commitment to exploration and endurance challenges.
What makes Kovalchuk’s achievements stand out is the speed and consistency of her climbs. Completing both the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits in just over five years — with the bulk of them in 2023 and 2024 — reflects a unique level of determination, physical preparation, and mental resilience.
Outside of mountaineering, Kovalchuk is a successful businesswoman and a dedicated philanthropist. She balances her adventurous pursuits with raising four children, underscoring a broader message about possibility, balance, and personal ambition.
As a Nimsdai Store Ambassador, she also field-tests gear under the toughest conditions, contributing to the evolution of high-performance expedition equipment.
Reflecting on her journey, Nims Purja called Kovalchuk’s project “more than a milestone,” adding: “It’s a legacy of courage, tenacity, and a passion for pushing human limits.”
Elite Exped congratulated her on her accomplishments, emphasizing their pride in having supported her throughout.
If Kovalchuk completes Denali as planned, she will join a rare and prestigious group of mountaineers who have conquered both the 14 Peaks and the Seven Summits — a combined feat that represents the pinnacle of modern high-altitude climbing.
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