KATHMANDU: Veteran Spanish mountaineer Carlos Soria Fontán, now 86, has once again returned to Nepal, setting out for Manaslu (8,163 m) on the 50th anniversary of the first Spanish ascent of the mountain in 1975.

Soria was part of that historic expedition five decades ago but did not reach the summit. Although he successfully climbed Manaslu in 2010 at the age of 71, he says this year’s expedition is about honoring history, celebrating Spanish mountaineering achievements, and keeping alive the unfinished spirit of 1975.

Despite his age, a knee prosthesis, and injuries sustained on previous climbs, Soria remains undeterred. His plan is to acclimatize in the Khumbu region before joining his team at Manaslu Base Camp in mid-September, supported by Seven Summit Treks.

"The expedition is being organised by Seven Summit Treks," said SST Director Chhang Dawa Sherpa.

Soria has already set multiple age-related mountaineering records, including becoming the oldest person to summit K2 (65 years), Kanchenjunga (75), and Annapurna (77). He remains the only climber to have scaled ten 8,000-meter peaks after turning 60.

More than just a personal challenge, his latest expedition highlights Nepal’s growing autumn climbing season, now governed by revised permit fees and safety rules. Foreign climbers are currently required to pay USD 3,000 for Autumn climbs on Manaslu, one of the most popular 8,000-meter peaks.

For Soria, however, this journey is not about records but about legacy. “To climb, you have to go,” he says, reflecting the determination that continues to inspire mountaineers worldwide.