In a testament to courage, determination, and the power of starting small, record-breaking mountaineer Akke Rahman has reached the summit of Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,163 metres. Completing the climb in just nine days from Base Camp to summit, Rahman’s achievement marks a remarkable milestone in his extraordinary climbing journey—and the first time an 8,000-metre mountain has been summitted as part of a Dacia-backed expedition.
Known as the “Mountain of the Spirit,” Manaslu is revered and feared in equal measure. Its steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and high avalanche risk make it one of the most challenging Himalayan peaks. For Rahman, however, the climb was more than just a physical feat. It was a spiritual journey. “Standing on the summit of Manaslu was a truly spiritual experience,” he reflected. “After all the challenges of the climb, being up there felt humbling and uplifting at the same time. It reminded me why I do this—to inspire my kids and to show others that you don’t need to be born into adventure to chase your dreams. Adventure doesn’t have to be 8,000 metres high. I started with Snowdon, right on my doorstep.”
For Rahman, climbing is as much about personal growth and inspiration as it is about mountaineering records. Six years ago, he summited Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, with the simple aim of inspiring his children to embrace the outdoors. Since then, his climbing career has accelerated at a pace few could imagine. Rahman has scaled Mont Blanc (4,810m), Kilimanjaro (5,895m), and Elbrus (5,642m), before making history in 2022 as the first British Muslim to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Along the way, he has raised over £1 million for charity and motivated countless others to seek their own adventures, proving that inspiration often begins with one determined step.
Rahman’s latest achievement is also a milestone for the Dacia Adventure Community, a collective of everyday explorers who share a passion for the outdoors. The community embodies the belief that adventure comes in all shapes and sizes—from local hikes and weekend camping trips to record-breaking Himalayan ascents. Rahman exemplifies how even the most extraordinary feats are rooted in the courage to begin.
Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, commented on Rahman’s achievement: “Akke’s summit of Manaslu is inspiring, but what stands out most is how he connects his story back to everyday life. From climbing Snowdon six years ago to standing on an 8,000-metre summit, he proves just how far determination can take you. He shares Dacia’s belief that adventure is for everyone, whether that’s the heights of the Himalayas or exploring your local area.”
Rahman’s journey also underscores the value of resilience. His next challenge is Ama Dablam, the iconic Himalayan peak that once halted his ambitions due to illness. Returning to tackle what he could not complete before, Rahman demonstrates that true adventure is not only about summiting peaks, but also about the courage to face unfinished business and embrace the lessons of setbacks.
Through his climbs, Rahman continues to highlight the transformative power of the outdoors. From modest beginnings on nearby hills to record-breaking Himalayan expeditions, his story serves as a reminder that extraordinary achievements are built on everyday choices, perseverance, and a willingness to explore. In partnership with Dacia, his journey champions the idea that adventure is not reserved for the elite—it belongs to anyone willing to take the first step beyond their front door.
As he sets his sights on Ama Dablam, Rahman’s mantra remains clear: it is not the height of the mountain that defines the journey, but the spirit with which it is undertaken. In conquering Manaslu, he has not only added another summit to his list but also reaffirmed a message that resonates far beyond mountaineering: adventure, determination, and inspiration are within reach for everyone.
