Mountaineer Alex Gavan becomes first Romanian to climb 8,000 meter Himalayan mountain Shishapangma

Romanian mountaineer Alex Gavan has successfully reached another Himalayan summit of over 8,000 meters, setting more records along the way. Alex made a successful attempt on the 8,027m summit of Shishapangma on April 30, becoming the first ever Romanian to climb the mountain and achieving it without supplementary oxygen or Sherpa support. “My toughest, psyched and most dangerous climb yet,” said Alex Gavan after returning safely to base camp on May 2. During the expedition he struggled against a stomach disorder and got lost in a snowstorm on his way back down. Alex had to bivouac out in the open... at 7,800 meters above sea level. “Miraculously, I not only survived but got along with no frostbite or edema,” said Gavan on his extremely dangerous experience. (Alex Gavan in picture, the day after his dangerous 7,800 meter bivouac) See Alex's Shishapangma summit video, released May 13, below. The expedition was the latest in a series that have taken Alex Gavan to Himalayan summits, becoming the first Romanian to climb the majority and each time tackling the ascents without oxygen or Sherpa support. He was already the first Romanian to climb Manaslu – 8,156m, Makalu – 8,463m, Gasherbrum 1 – 8,068m and was the second Romanian to climb Cho Oyu – 8,201m back in 2006. Find out more on Alex Gavan's Facebook page and website.

editor@romania-insider.com photo source: Alex Gavan on Facebook