Climbing

James McManus becomes first Irish climber to summit Lhotse without supplementary oxygen

James
Photo credit: James McManus Archives
By Tourism Times
Published at : 20 May 2026, 5:07 PM

KATHMANDU: Irish mountaineer James Owen McManus has successfully scaled Mt Lhotse (8,516m) today without the use of supplementary oxygen, becoming the first Irish person to achieve the feat, according to expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks.

McManus, who was accompanied by Nepali climber Chhiring Dhenduk Bhote, reached the summit on Wednesday — the fourth-highest peak in the world.

"An extraordinary achievement built on years of training, discipline, resilience and focus. We are absolutely buzzing for him and could not be prouder," said Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Expedition Director at Seven Summit Treks, adding that the team was now focused on a safe descent.

The ascent marks a significant milestone in Irish high-altitude mountaineering history. Lhotse, which shares its base camp and lower climbing route with Mt Everest, is regarded as one of the most technically demanding of the 8,000-metre peaks, with its near-vertical face presenting a formidable challenge even for climbers using supplemental oxygen.

Tags: #Trekking

Comment

Mary Murray

Huge Congratulations From The Murray Family.A Tremendous Achievement.

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