Pakistani Woman to Scale Ninth Tallest Peak Nanga Parbat
The indomitable spirit of Naila Kiani and Samina Baig, two mountaineers from Pakistan, has left an indelible mark on the world of mountaineering. In a remarkable feat, they became the first Pakistani women to reach the summit of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak. Their triumph over treacherous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and numerous challenges during the expedition is a testament to their determination, courage, and unwavering passion for mountaineering.
1. A Momentous Achievement
Reaching the summit of Nanga Parbat is no small feat. With its towering height of 8,126 meters (26,660 feet) and its reputation as one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, Nanga Parbat presents an immense challenge to even the most experienced mountaineers. Naila Kiani and Samina Baig defied the odds and etched their names in history with this extraordinary accomplishment.
2. Naila Kiani: A Woman of Many Accomplishments
Naila Kiani, a Dubai-based Pakistani banker, amateur boxer, and mother of two daughters, is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey to mountaineering fame began when her wedding shoot at the K2 Basecamp went viral on social media in 2018, bringing her into the spotlight. Since then, she has continued to push her limits and conquer new heights.
In 2021, Naila scaled Gasherbrum-II (8,035m), further establishing her mountaineering prowess. She has also triumphed over other formidable peaks, including Gasherbrum-I (8,068m), K2, and Annapurna. This year, Naila became the second Pakistani woman to conquer Mount Everest, solidifying her position as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished mountaineers.
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3. Samina Baig: A Trailblazer from Shimshal
Hailing from the remote village of Shimshal, Samina Baig has been a trailblazer in the world of mountaineering. In 2014, she made history as the first Pakistani woman to successfully climb Mount Everest, earning recognition and admiration worldwide. Her determination and resilience have propelled her to conquer numerous peaks and achieve remarkable milestones.
In 2022, Samina added another feather to her cap by reaching the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. It is worth noting that she accomplished this feat just three hours ahead of Naila Kiani. Samina’s achievements extend beyond the borders of Pakistan; she holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani, male or female, to conquer the seven summits on all seven continents. Her conquests include ascending the virgin peak Chashkin Sar (above 6,000 meters) in 2010, which was subsequently named ‘Samina Peak.’ In 2011, she conquered another unclimbed peak known as ‘Koh-i-Brobar’ or ‘Mount Equality.’
4. A Collaborative Triumph
Naila Kiani and Samina Baig did not embark on their Nanga Parbat expedition alone. Accompanied by a team of skilled Pakistani mountaineers, including Rizwan Dad, Eid Muhammad, Ahmed Baig, Waqar Ali, Saeed Karim, Liaqat, Wajid Nagri, and Shah Daulat, they forged ahead to conquer the formidable peak. Their collective efforts and unwavering support played a crucial role in their success.
The expedition team Imagine Nepal reported that ten of its members also reached the summit of Nanga Parbat, further exemplifying the collaborative nature of this historic ascent. Notably, Chris Warner from the United States and three Nepalese Sherpas, guided by Summit Karakoram Managing Director Sakhawat Hussain, successfully scaled the mountain. This multi-national endeavor resulted in a total of 28 mountaineers from various parts of the world accomplishing the Nanga Parbat summit on the same day, marking the largest single-day ascent of the mountain.
Conclusion
Naila Kiani and Samina Baig’s triumph on Nanga Parbat showcases their unwavering determination, resilience, and passion for mountaineering. As the first Pakistani women to conquer this formidable peak, they have set a shining example for aspiring mountaineers, both in Pakistan and around the world. Their achievements not only inspire women to break barriers but also demonstrate the power of teamwork and collaboration in achieving monumental goals.
