Islamabad, June 8, 2025 – The Europe Today: His Excellency Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, welcomed Horia Colibășanu, one of Romania’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers, to Islamabad as he prepares for his next great challenge: the ascent of Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain.
Colibășanu is internationally recognized for his extraordinary climbing achievements, having summited ten of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without bottled oxygen or Sherpa assistance. He now aims to scale the formidable Nanga Parbat in the Himalayas—a peak known for its technical difficulty and historical challenges.
Ambassador Stoenescu expressed admiration for Colibășanu’s dedication, ethics, and courage, and wished him a successful and safe expedition in Pakistan.
Profile: Horia Colibășanu – Romania’s Icon of Alpine Mountaineering
- Born: 1977, Timișoara; works professionally as a dentist
- Started international climbing at 21, including expeditions to the Caucasus, Alps, Tian Shan
- First Romanian to summit K2 (8,611 m) in 2004 without oxygen or Sherpa support
- Has summited 10 of the 14 “eight-thousanders”, including Everest, Annapurna, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Broad Peak (2023)
- Climbs in pure alpine style, emphasizing minimalism and self-reliance
- Known for his bravery in staying with dying partner Iñaki Ochoa de Olza for 72 hours on Annapurna in 2008
- Decorated with Romania’s highest civilian honor, the National Order “Steaua României” in 2017
- Inspires as a speaker on resilience and leadership, and represents Romania in international cultural platforms
Colibășanu is celebrated not only for his remarkable mountaineering record but also for the spirit of solidarity and ethical integrity he brings to the world’s highest peaks.
