Himalayan Database Rejects Marco Confortola Summit Claims

Marco Confortola’s long-standing bid for official recognition of completing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks has taken a major hit. Following months of scrutiny and accusations from within the climbing community, The Himalayan Database (HDB) has ruled that his claimed ascent of Kangchenjunga is “Not Recognized” and has removed it entirely from its records.

The decision follows an investigation into multiple disputed summit claims. Beyond Kangchenjunga, Confortola now carries a “summit disputed” tag for Annapurna (2006), Lhotse (2013), Makalu (2016), and Dhaulagiri (2017). These climbs remain listed but are marked as unresolved. The HDB has given Confortola 12 months to provide credible evidence, such as verifiable photos or reliable witness testimony.

Controversy intensified in 2025 after Confortola announced he had completed all 14 peaks, prompting fellow elite climbers to highlight alleged inconsistencies, including accusations of reused or manipulated summit photos. Prominent figures such as Simone Moro, Silvio Mondinelli, and Reinhold Messner publicly supported the concerns.

Once known primarily for surviving the 2008 K2 disaster, Confortola is now facing serious questions over his Himalayan legacy. Despite being an experienced IFMGA guide with strong sponsorship backing, the HDB ruling casts significant doubt over his claims — and, for now, his place in 8,000-metre history remains unresolved.