Aconcagua, Argentina

Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside of Asia, rising to nearly 7,000 meters (22,960ft).

In early 2025, I did a semi-supported solo expedition to the summit, with support only up to base camp at just over 4,000 meters (13,100ft). From there onward, everything was completely solo. I had to shuttle more than 40kg of gear and food up and down the mountain for over a week to establish high camp and eventually make a summit attempt.

At that altitude, even simple things become exhausting. The thin air has a huge impact on your energy levels, recovery, and sleep, making the expedition physically and mentally very demanding.

I took this photo just before reaching base camp. During the first days of the expedition, you hike through long desert-like valleys where Aconcagua remains hidden from view. But after nearly two days of hiking, you suddenly get your first glimpse of the mountain.

This was that moment.

I still remember it very clearly. I was completely blown away by the scale of the mountain and, honestly, also a little nervous. From where I stood, it looked impossibly tall, steep, and overwhelming.

But that’s often how these mountains feel from a distance.

You simply keep taking one step after another, one day after another. It took me nearly ten more days after this moment to finally reach the summit, but it showed me that what first seems impossible can slowly become possible.

To this day, it remains my favorite mountain I’ve climbed so far.