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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Russian Climber Alina Pekova Becomes Youngest Woman to Summit All 14 Eight-Thousanders
Russian mountaineer Alina Pekova, 34, has been entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest woman to summit all 14 of the world's mountains exceeding 8,000 meters. She completed this feat between April 2023 and October 2024, becoming the first Russian citizen to achieve the milestone.


Quick Facts
Who
Alina Pekova
What
Summited all 14 eight-thousander mountains
When
April 2023 (began eight-thousander climbs)
Where
Himalayas
- Summited all 14 eight-thousander mountains
- Entered Guinness Book of World Records
- Received symbolic 'Crown of the Earth' award
- Alina Pekova
- Russian Alpine Federation
Russian alpine climber Alina Pekova, 34, has been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest woman to have summited all 14 of the world's mountains exceeding 8,000 meters in elevation. Pekova announced the achievement on Instagram on June 23, 2026, stating "I am now officially in the Guinness Book of World Records."
Pekova completed her record-breaking ascents across the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges. The 14 peaks she conquered include Annapurna (8,091 meters), Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), Broad Peak (8,051 meters), K2 (8,611 meters), Gasherbrum 1 and Gasherbrum 2 (8,080 and 8,035 meters respectively), Manaslu (8,163 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters), and Shishapangma (8,027 meters). Ten of these mountains are located in the Himalayas, while four are in the Karakoram range.
Born in the village of Chegem Vtoroy in Kabardino-Balkaria, Pekova began mountaineering in 2017 with an ascent of Mount Elbrus. She embarked on her quest to climb all eight-thousanders in April 2023 and completed the challenge in October 2024 when she summited Shishapangma, becoming the first Russian citizen to achieve this feat. On November 30, 2024, the Russian Alpine Federation awarded her the symbolic "Crown of the Earth" prize in recognition of her accomplishment.
Why This Matters
Pekova's achievement represents a remarkable milestone in mountaineering and gender equality in extreme sports. Her feat demonstrates that women can achieve unprecedented athletic accomplishments in one of the world's most dangerous pursuits. For climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, her success provides inspiration and proof that systematic training and determination can overcome the extreme challenges posed by the world's highest peaks. Additionally, as the first Russian citizen to summit all 14 eight-thousanders, this achievement strengthens Russia's standing in the mountaineering community despite geopolitical isolation.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2017
WireAlina Pekova began mountaineering with Mount Elbrus ascent
Nov 30, 2024
WireRussian Alpine Federation awarded Pekova the 'Crown of the Earth' prize
Jun 23, 2026
WirePekova announced official entry into Guinness Book of World Records