KATHMANDU: Renowned record-holding climber Mingma G, who led the recovery mission on Broad Peak following a massive avalanche, said that a statue of the late Kili Pemba Sherpa, popularly known as 'Kilu', will be erected in Rolwaling valley in his honour.

As the three bodies of the climbers—Kilu, Gyalu Sherpa, and Nima Sherpa—are set to arrive in Kathmandu on a Qatar Airways flight later this afternoon, Mingma G posted a tribute message, hoping that the Nepal government will also make the required arrangements to give our legends a proper and honourable state-worthy tribute.

"It still feels utterly surreal that Kilu has left this world at the age of 45. He was, without a doubt, the most humble and tirelessly dedicated climbing partner, always leading from the front with a heavy backpack," Mingma G said.

According to him, he and Kilu shared not only the same birthplace but also the same upbringing. "With Kilu by my side on any mountain, I never once felt the grip of fear; his presence was my anchor," he said, adding, "I can say with absolute certainty that every expedition I undertook with him was met with triumph."

Mingma G said that Kilu's completion of all 14 peaks, his historic first winter ascent of K2, and his pioneering new routes to the summit of Mount Manaslu will always keep his memory alive.

"This time, due to his unwavering professional duties, he couldn't celebrate his monumental achievement of summiting all 14 peaks, and I will carry that sorrow with me forever," he posted.

"Kilu, Gyalu, and Nima will land in our home country on Tuesday, 11 August, at 16:45. I trust that the Nepali government will make the required arrangements to give our legends a proper and honourable state-worthy tribute."

Kilu began working in the mountains at just 16 years old as a porter. He was born in Beding village of Rolwaling valley in Gaurishankar Rural Municipality-9.

On 3 July 2026, Kilu stood on the summit of Nanga Parbat and completed all 14 of the world's peaks above 8,000 metres. Only a small handful of climbers in history have ever done this. He had waited thirty years for that moment. He had twenty-seven days to hold it.

Kilu’s achievements include:

· All 14 8,000-metre peaks completed

· Guinness World Record holder as one of the 10 Nepali climbers to climb K2 in winter

· 15 summits of Mount Everest (first in 2003)

· Fixed ropes and opened routes on some of the world's hardest mountains

· Participation in many rescue operations, saving the lives of others

· Establishment of the route to the true summit of Manaslu in 2021 with Mingma G—the route climbers still follow today

· Guided a double amputee to the summit of Everest in 2018 and Manaslu in 2021