The Vertical World
VERTICAL WORLD
Impossible Made Possible.
From unclimbed peaks to the vast ocean.
The Roots of Adventurer Hiroki Nakayama
The Global Solo Challenge is a non-stop solo round-the-world sailing race. At the core of this grueling maritime challenge lies the “spirit of exploration into the unknown” and the “ability to survive in extreme conditions” that Hiroki Nakayama cultivated in the mountains.
“Impossible Made Possible”
His experience in the mountains nurtured an intuition that does not rely solely on navigation equipment and the ability to maintain calm judgment under pressure.
Unclimbed Peak
HONGU
6,764m
2019.10.25 | Nepal Himalaya | North East Face
An “Unclimbed Peak” is a mountain where no human has ever set foot. There are no maps, no established routes. You must forge everything with your own strength.
Hiroki Nakayama challenged this wall with Pemba Sherpa. At an altitude exceeding 6,000m, they were trapped in a blizzard with near-zero visibility. It was a summit push made under conditions where radios were out of range and food supplies were exhausted.
The wall was nearly vertical, and the ice was brittle, collapsing like “sugar” (Sugar ice). We connected nine pitches with ropes and finally reached the summit at 15:15.
“I want to continue challenging my limits.”
– Toyama Shimbun, March 29, 2023
The “Alpine Style” Approach
Instead of forming a large expedition, this style involves carrying only the bare minimum gear, climbing fast with a small team, and descending quickly to increase the success rate. It is a fair and challenging way to face nature.
Minimal Gear
Gear is lightened to the extreme. For a 5-day climb, only 3 days of food were brought. The final 2 days were spent climbing in a near-fasting state.
Speed & Light
Speed leads to safety. We navigate through zones at risk of avalanches and rockfalls with the speed provided by light gear.
No Oxygen
No oxygen tanks are used. It is a pure style of mountaineering, adapting to the thin air using only one’s own lungs and body.
The Timeline
Ama Dablam Summit
Ama Dablam (6,812m) – Nepal
Nepal Himalaya. A steep peak hailed as one of the “most beautiful mountains in the world.”
Aconcagua Solo Summit
Aconcagua (6,960m) – Argentina
The highest peak in South America. Successfully reached the summit alone.
Hongu NE Face First Ascent
Hongu (6,764m) – Nepal
An unclimbed peak officially recognized by the Nepal government. Record certified in the American Alpine Journal (AAJ).
High Plateau Experience
In Search of Peak Experience
For Nakayama, both mountains and oceans are fields to test and grow himself. The “High Plateau Experience” is a peak experience beyond imagination.
There are views that can only be seen by taking risks and placing oneself in harsh environments. Thorough preparation “with death in mind, eliminating all regrets.” A fusion of cold reason and burning passion. This philosophy, forged in the mountains, has been carried over to the 2027 Global Solo Challenge (GSC).
Mountains & Moments
From Peak to Ocean.
Hiroki Nakayama’s challenge moves from the mountains to the sea.
Please support his journey across the globe.