Pakistani mountaineer Samina Baig has added another historic milestone by skiing to the final degree of the South Pole.
This extraordinary achievement strengthens her place among the world’s most accomplished explorers.
Baig completed the expedition on December 14 after weeks of preparation and endurance. The international journey was organised by Elite Exped and involved extreme polar conditions. The team departed Pakistan on December 2 and reached Union Glacier on December 6. After that, the final ski journey toward the South Pole began.
In a heartfelt message, Baig described the expedition as humbling and deeply meaningful. She said the journey formed part of her long-term goal to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam. Notably, no Pakistani had ever completed this ski journey before her.
Moreover, Baig explained that the experience challenged her both physically and mentally. She added that words still fail to capture the intensity of the polar landscape. However, she emphasised that every step reinforced patience, resilience, and belief.
From scaling Mount Everest in 2013 to completing the Seven Summits, Baig’s journey spans continents. She has climbed the highest peaks on every continent, including K2 and Nanga Parbat. Therefore, reaching the South Pole connects her mountain achievements with polar exploration.
Baig shared that the expedition demanded trust in her dream and commitment through uncertainty. She noted that progress often continued even when the path felt impossible. Consequently, the journey became as spiritual as it was physical.
The mountaineer also highlighted the symbolic importance of carrying Pakistan’s flag. Additionally, she carried her Ismaili flag across ice, mountains, and continents. She described this act as the greatest honour of her life.
Baig expressed hope that her journey would inspire others, especially women. She stressed that dreams remain worth pursuing, regardless of time or difficulty. Meanwhile, she acknowledged the collective support behind her success.
She thanked her community members for funding the expedition. She also expressed gratitude to her family, team members, and fellow climber Nirmal Purja. Finally, she credited Elite Expeditions for their trust and logistical support.
Samina Baig hails from Shimshal, a small mountain village in Gilgit-Baltistan. In 2013, she became the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Everest. She later became the first Pakistani to complete the Seven Summits challenge.
Earlier in her career, Baig climbed previously untouched peaks. Chashkin Sar was later named Samina Peak in her honour. She also summited Koh-i-Brobar, known as Mount Equality.
In recent years, she continued breaking barriers for Pakistani women climbers. In 2022, she summited K2, arriving just hours before Naila Kiani. In 2023, both climbers became the first Pakistani women to conquer Nanga Parbat.
Through this South Pole achievement, Samina Baig once again redefined possibility. Her journey reflects courage, discipline, and unwavering belief.
