Mingma Gyalje, aka Mingma G, is a man of his word. He said he would take the first winter ascent of K2 for his country, and he did it. He committed to put an end of years of controversy on Manaslu by reaching its true summit, and he provided, with no room for doubt, claiming “no more excuses” for future climbers. He is also a IFMGA certified mountain guide and, last but not least, a businessman fighting for his piece of the cake in the thriving expedition business. Part one of our portrait of Mingma, from a tough childhood to his precious high mountain guide diploma.
Mingma G is quite the character, quite far from the classic (often patronizing) perception of ever-smiling, kind-spirited Sherpa of superhuman strength and Buddhist detachment. Mingma G is tough, proud, somehow wild. He ensures he has learnt patience on the mountains, but he is