Mountaineer Stefi Troguet launches her seventh expedition to Annapurna (8,091m) on March 18, resuming her

Andorran mountaineer Stefi Troguet will launch her seventh expedition on 18 March, targeting Annapurna at 8,091 metres as the next step in her project to summit all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks without supplemental oxygen. The peak, the tenth-highest globally, ranks among the Himalaya's most technically demanding and hazardous, with frequent avalanches, erratic weather and the lowest summit success rate among its peers.

Troguet announced the plans this week from Andorra, resuming after a deliberate 2025 break focused on emotional and physical rebuilding. She climbed Nanga Parbat (8,126m), Manaslu (8,163m) and K2 (8,611m) earlier in the project, navigating personal hardships and losses, including friends on K2. Trips to Everest and Makalu came amid family difficulties, leaving her below full strength. "I wasn't well emotionally. I'd had some very tough years on a family and personal level," she said. "You can't risk your life if you're not 100%." Working extensively with psychologist Àlex Gordillo helped restore her balance, turning the pause into preparation rather than setback.

This outing partners with Nepal's Seven Summit Treks, established in 2010 by brothers Mingma Sherpa, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa and Pasang Phurba Sherpa. Unlike prior efforts guided by Nirmal "Nims" Purja, it involves a bigger group of 10 to 12 climbers, each paired with a Sherpa, and a larger base camp setup—similar to her Dhaulagiri trip with them. Troguet travels alone at first, rerouting through Turkey due to global disruptions. She expects to reach Kathmandu on 19 March, Pokhara the next day, and base camp around 22-23 March via a direct, short trek.

New training includes 600 hours in a home hyperbaric chamber, advised by Kilian Jornet after their 2023 Everest encounter, plus ski sessions in tough winter conditions. These aim to boost high-altitude recovery after past struggles at Makalu. Annapurna appeals strategically as a shorter 8,000er for her return, despite its dangers—known as the Goddess of Abundance. "It's a magical name that makes me dream," she noted. "I've changed—I've learned to read the mountains better, but now I feel fear, which I didn't before." The mountain commands respect, she added, evoking the same awe as her opening peaks.

Troguet frames the effort as reconnection. "This project is what I need; this flame can't go out," she said, viewing fear as potential motivation to heal old wounds.