Naila Kiani Makes History: First Pakistani Woman to Summit 12 Peaks Above 8,000 Meters
Breaking Records in the Death Zone
Pakistani mountaineering legend Naila Kiani has etched her name in history by summiting Kangchenjunga (8,586m)—the world’s third-highest peak—becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer 12 of the 14 tallest mountains (8,000+ meters).
Naila’s 8,000er Summits (12/14)
🏔️ Everest (8,848m) – 2021
🏔️ K2 (8,611m) – 2022 (“Savage Mountain”)
🏔️ Kangchenjunga (8,586m) – May 2025 (Latest)
🏔️ Nanga Parbat (8,125m) – 2023 (“Killer Mountain”)
(+8 more: Annapurna, Manaslu, Lhotse, etc.)
Why This Triumph Matters
1. A National Milestone
First Pakistani woman to achieve this feat.
Joins an elite global club of female climbers.
2. Defying Odds
❄️ -40°C temps, avalanches, and altitude sickness risks.
💪 Mother & banker—balances career, family, and extreme sports.
3. Inspiring a Generation
👧 “She shows Pakistani girls no peak is too high.” – Young fan.
🇵🇰 “Pride of Pakistan!” – PM’s congratulatory tweet.
What’s Next? The Final Two
Naila now sets her sights on the remaining two 8,000ers:
Shishapangma (8,027m) – Tibet (China-controlled access)
Cho Oyu (8,188m) – Nepal/Tibet border
A completion would make her:
✅ First Pakistani (male/female) to summit all 14.
✅ 5th woman globally to achieve the “14 Peaks” crown.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s Mountaineering Rise
🧗 More Pakistanis tackling 8,000ers (e.g., Sirbaz Khan, Shehroze Kashif).
🏕️ Tourism boost – Karakoram expeditions gaining global interest.
Naila’s Message
“Mountains don’t discriminate. With grit, even the impossible becomes possible.”
