Pakistani Mountaineers
GILGIT: Pakistani mountaineers Sirbaz Khan and Shehroze Kashif have embarked on an ambitious journey to summit Shishapangma Peak (8,027 meters) in Tibet, China.
Hailing from Hunza and Lahore respectively, both climbers have already achieved the remarkable feat of scaling 13 of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders, including five in Gilgit-Baltistan. Their successful ascent of Shishapangma would make them the first Pakistani climbers to conquer all 14 peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.
Last year, Khan and fellow climber Naila Kiani faced a life-threatening avalanche near the summit of Shishapangma, which tragically claimed the lives of two climbers from the U.S. and Nepal, while two others went missing. As of now, no Pakistani climber has successfully reached the summit of this challenging peak in Tibet.
According to Kashif Salman, Shehroze Kashif’s father, Kashif arrived in Tibet from Nepal on Tuesday, while Khan was already acclimatizing in Tibet. The climbers plan to begin their summit push in the second week of October.
This year, following the devastating avalanche incident, China has implemented a new policy for climbing Shishapangma. Under this policy, all climbers must ascend in a single group rather than conducting separate expeditions.
Karrar Haideri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, expressed his enthusiasm for the climbers’ historic mission, stating, “We are thrilled to share that two of Pakistan’s most esteemed mountaineers, Sirbaz Khan and Shehroze Kashif, are on their final journey toward Shishapangma to achieve an extraordinary milestone in the world of high-altitude climbing.”
With 13 out of 14 highest peaks already conquered, Khan is gearing up for what could be the final ascent of his illustrious climbing career. At the same time, Kashif’s impressive achievements at such a young age have made him a rising star in the mountaineering community.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Kashif shared his excitement after enjoying a team lunch with members from Seven Summit in Nepal. He stated, “I feel more ready than ever to tackle Shishapangma, my 14th and final 8000er. This isn’t just the end of a mission, but the culmination of years of hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication.”
He emphasized the significance of his journey, saying, “I carry the weight of not just my own dreams, but the hopes of an entire nation. The resolve to raise the green flag on the highest peaks in the world drives me forward.”
Kashif is not only pursuing a personal record; he aims to showcase the strength and perseverance of Pakistanis on a global stage. His words resonate deeply with aspiring mountaineers, as he expressed gratitude for the support he has received: “Together, we are determined to summit this last peak and make history. The resolve is strong, the focus is clear, and the commitment is unshakeable.”
Additionally, this year, Chinese regulations have prohibited solo ascents and climbs without supplementary oxygen on its eight-thousander peaks.
The use of oxygen is now mandatory above 7,000 meters in China, ensuring climbers are better equipped to handle the extreme conditions they may face.
As Khan and Kashif embark on this historic expedition, their journey not only represents a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of climbers in Pakistan.
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