86-year-old Carlos Soria scales Manaslu, setting a new record
Veteran Spanish alpinist Carlos Soria becomes oldest person to summit the world’s eighth-highest peak, 50 years after his first attempt
PC: Seven Summit Treks
Legendary Spanish alpinist Carlos Soria has once again made history by becoming the oldest person ever to summit Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) — achieving this remarkable feat at the age of 86.
Soria reached the summit of the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 5:30 a.m. local time, according to expedition organizer Seven Summit Treks (SST). “Carlos is a true inspiration in the mountaineering world. Having dedicated his life to climbing, he has proven that passion and perseverance know no age limits,” SST wrote on its Facebook page.
This accomplishment comes 50 years after Soria first attempted Manaslu in 1975 as part of the first Spanish expedition to the mountain. At the time, he was unable to reach the summit — but five decades later, he has finally achieved his long-standing goal.
Despite a knee prosthesis and lingering effects from a previous leg injury sustained on Dhaulagiri, Soria remained undeterred and resolute in his pursuit.
He was supported on the climb by Mikel Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Phurba Sherpa, Luis M. Soriano, among others. The team acclimatized in the Khumbu region before establishing base camp on Manaslu in mid-September, preparing for the final summit push, according to SST.
This ascent holds deep symbolic value for the Spanish mountaineering community. The first successful Spanish ascent of Manaslu in 1975 was a national milestone. Now, 50 years later, Soria’s historic climb marks not only a personal triumph but also a celebration of half a century of Spanish expeditions on the mountain — further cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished senior mountaineers in history.
Soria has now summited 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, with only Shishapangma and Dhaulagiri remaining on his list.
