The challenge for Carlos Soria is to complete his adventure of conquering all 14 eight-thousanders - a pursuit that has consumed nearly his entire life. A now-retired mountaineer who worked as an upholsterer, spending his free time exploring the mountains. At 72 years old, he's set his sights on the 3 remaining eight-thousanders: Dhaulagiri, Kanchenjunga and Annapurna.

He has the support of BBVA to carry out this project. He's finally found a sponsor, as Carlos Soria embodies the values they want to convey to their clients: integrity, commitment, passion for one's work, cooperation... At last he can leave behind those expeditions where he had to rely on shoestring budgets - now not just him, but his entire team will have all expenses covered for the three planned expeditions.

Lovers of climbing will understand what Carlos Soria feels each time he reaches a mountain summit - it's a truly unique experience. Not everyone has the time, money or motivation to get to work, pack the necessary gear and embark on the adventure of attempting to conquer the world's highest peaks.

Carlos Soria's challenge


The mountaineer has been summiting peaks since 1973, with his first expedition to Nanga Parbat (the world's ninth highest mountain in Pakistan) in 1990. Since then, he's relentlessly travelled the world aiming for all 14 eight-thousanders, having summited Gasherbrum II and Cho Oyu in 1994, Everest in 2001, K2 in 2004, Broad Peak in 2005, Shisha Pangma in 2007, Gasherbrum I in 2009, Makalu in 2010 and Lhotse in 2011.

His next destination is Dhaulagiri, with approximately two more years expected to reach both Kanchenjunga and Annapurna. Many adventures still lie ahead and a dream to fulfil. As he often says, it's normal to sometimes doubt your return - he recalls first feeling this fear on Manaslu due to bad weather (which you can't always trust)... But not only did he return, nearly 40 years later he's still climbing and setting himself major challenges.

The expedition departed on 26th August and by now they've completed the approach march and reached base camp after assessing the mountain conditions. The summit push is expected this autumn, and it remains to be seen how the protagonists of this story progress - Carlos Soria has a team of true professionals eager to work: Daniel Salas, Darío Rodríguez, Luis Miguel López, Sito Carcavilla and Carlos Martínez. 

Here's a presentation video so you can get to know this 72-year-old from Ávila who will become the fourth Spaniard to conquer all 14 eight-thousanders, after Juanito Oiarzabal, Alberto Iñurrategi and Edurne Pasaban. Enjoy!