Bolivian Ayaviri Conquers Manaslu and Reaches His Seventh “Eight-Thousander” | El boliviano Ayaviri conquista el Manaslu y alcanza su séptima montaña “ochomil”

By El Día:

Ayaviri during the climb to the summit of Manaslu.

Bolivian mountaineer Hugo Ayaviri achieved another milestone in his career: after a grueling nine-and-a-half-hour climb, he reached the summit of Manaslu in Nepal at midnight on Monday (Bolivia time). At 8,163 meters, Manaslu joins the list of “eight-thousanders,” marking Ayaviri’s seventh summit over 8,000 meters.

The journey began in early September, when Ayaviri traveled to Kathmandu with the support of the Bolivian Ski and Mountaineering Federation (FEBSA). For nearly two weeks, he focused on acclimatization at the mountain’s various camps, facing harsh weather and heavy snowfall that made both physical and mental preparation for the summit more demanding.

Manaslu has four high-altitude camps at 5,800, 6,400, 6,800, and 7,400 meters. From Camp 4, at 10:30 p.m. Nepal time (12:00 p.m. in Bolivia), Ayaviri began his final ascent without supplemental oxygen and carrying all his gear without the support of sherpas. Extreme cold and steep slopes tested his endurance, but his determination allowed him to overcome every obstacle and reach the summit.

Once at the top, Ayaviri celebrated with an emotional message: “Dear Bolivia, our red, yellow, and green tricolor is at the top of Manaslu, above 8,000 meters. We are very tired, but very happy. Congratulations to my beloved Bolivia!” he said as he waved the national flag, dedicating his achievement to the country on its Bicentennial.

With this victory, Ayaviri is getting closer to his goal of becoming the first Bolivian to conquer all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders. So far, he has already climbed Lhotse, Gasherbrum I and II, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, K2, and Manaslu. He still has seven mountains left to complete the feat: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Shisha Pangma.

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