Naila Kiani has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully summiting Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third-highest mountain, becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer 12 of the 14 highest peaks on Earth.
“This is far more than just a climb, it is a monumental milestone in the history of Pakistani mountaineering and a moment of immense national pride.
With just two peaks left, Naila stands on the threshold of joining a global elite of only 17 women to have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders,” the Alpine Club of Pakistan stated in a press release.
Her latest triumph at Kanchenjunga, confirmed by expedition organizer Imagine Nepal, took place early Friday morning.
Dawa Futi Sherpa, Operations Director at Imagine Nepal, shared, “Naila Kiani reached the summit of Kanchenjunga at 6:30 a.m. local time, becoming Pakistan’s leading female mountaineer with 12 eight-thousanders to her name.”
From the intimidating heights of Everest and K2 to the treacherous terrains of Annapurna and Lhotse, Naila’s journey has been a powerful testament to courage, perseverance, and determination.
Her summits of 8,000-meter peaks include:
- Everest (8,848m)
- K2 (8,611m)
- Broad Peak (8,047m)
- Nanga Parbat (8,125m)
- Gasherbrum I (8,068m)
- Gasherbrum II (8,035m)
- Annapurna (8,091m)
- Lhotse (8,516m)
- Manaslu (8,163m)
- Makalu (8,485m)
- Cho Oyu (8,188m)
- Kanchenjunga (8,586m)
Her accomplishment goes beyond personal ambition, it stands as a symbol of empowerment for women in adventure sports, a source of pride for Pakistan, and an inspiration for climbers everywhere.