A Pakistani expedition has successfully crossed and summited the remote Phargam An Pass after 27 years. Officials confirmed the achievement on Tuesday, describing it as a significant milestone for mountaineering in the Hindu Kush.
The expedition also marked a historic first for women climbers. Female team members reached the 5,100-metre summit for the first time.
Expedition Revives Historic Mountain Route
The team reopened the high-altitude route connecting Upper and Lower Chitral. The historic pass links the Laspur Valley with the Golain Valley.
Supported by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, the expedition navigated challenging terrain. Climbers crossed glaciers, steep snow slopes, loose rocks, and avalanche-prone sections.
Kamran Khan became the first climber to reach the summit. He was joined by Mehrosh Akhtar, Samar Khan, Noman Khan, Noormal Rehman, Zohaib Khan, Omar Khitab Sheerani, Sohniya Babar, Amina Shabbir, and Madeeha Syed.
Led by local guide Zamurd Khan, the team completed the demanding crossing successfully. Members reported that changing mountain conditions had significantly altered the route.
Women Climbers Make History
The expedition marked the first successful ascent of the pass by women. Mehrosh Akhtar was among the climbers who achieved the milestone.
Chitrali sisters Smell Rose and Madhu Shala Akhtar also participated. Their involvement added further significance to the achievement.
During the expedition, climbers rediscovered a memorial plaque. The plaque honors Austrian mountaineer Georg Kronberger, who died in the area in 1975.
Officials said the expedition was part of the KPCTA’s Tirich Mir Project. The initiative aims to identify and document historic trekking routes.
Furthermore, the project seeks to promote sustainable adventure tourism in Upper Chitral. Authorities believe reopening the pass will highlight the region’s mountaineering potential and preserve its exploration heritage.
