Italian climber Stefano Ragazzo becomes first to solo climb Karakoram range's Eternal Flame route

Italian alpinist Stefano Ragazzo has made history as the first person to complete a solo climb of the famed Eternal Flame route on the Trango Nameless Tower in Pakistan's Karakoram range.

Renowned for its extreme technical difficulty, this route spans 650 meters and is graded at 7c+. Ragazzo’s achievement marks a significant milestone in mountaineering history.

Ragazzo spent nine days alone on one of the most challenging and iconic walls in the climbing world. Known for its daunting vertical challenges, the Eternal Flame route had been a dream for him for several years. With meticulous preparation and unwavering determination, Ragazzo successfully completed the solo climb, showcasing both his skill and resilience.

Following his remarkable feat, Ragazzo shared candid views on current trends and sponsorship dynamics in the mountaineering community.

He stated, "In a world where people feel like conquerors of mountains following fixed ropes to fuel their ego and where sponsors like @thenorthfaceit don’t trust in your alpine vision and kick you out two weeks before departure, saying you haven’t done enough IG posts, there is the possibility to be rebels and go against the tide."

The Eternal Flame route on Trango Nameless Tower, located in Pakistan's Baltoro Glacier region, is considered one of the most technically demanding climbs in the world.

Ragazzo’s solo ascent adds a new chapter to the legacy of the route, which has captivated climbers globally since it was first ascended by the German team led by Wolfgang Güllich in 1989.