The popularity of Pakistan’s captivating mountains is at its all-time peak as for the first time in recent history over 1,400 foreign mountaineers have applied to scale its 6,000 to 8,000-metre peaks this summer.
A four-member foreign expedition has arrived in Skardu as part of its campaign to scale K2, Gasherbrum-I (GI), Gasherbrum-II (GII), and Broad Peak.
“The team is led by Norwegian female climber Kristin Harila, who has arrived in Pakistan to scale its above five 8,000 meter peaks within two months,” Karrar Haidri, Secretary Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), said.
The 36-year-old Harila along with her three Nepalese team members –Dawa Ongju, Chhiring Namgel, and Pasdawa Sherpa, are part of the 8K Expedition.
“They have already ascended Nanga Parbat along with another expedition team Dolma Outdoor a couple of days ago.”
Haidri said that Harila is on a mission to break the time record of mounting the world’s all 14 above 8000-meter peaks in just six months.
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“Now she has summited seven eight-thousanders. If she meets her target it will be a monumental feat as she will become the first woman in history and the second person ever to climb all the eight-thousanders in such a short span of time [in six months],” he said.
Moreover, the popularity of Pakistan’s captivating mountains, Haidri said, was growing across the world at a rapid pace as for the first time in recent history more than 1400 foreign mountaineers had applied to attempt its 6,000 to 8,000-metre peaks, this summer.
Five of the 14 above 8000-meter mountains in the world, comprising the world’s second-highest peak K2 (8,611-meter), Nanga Parbat (8,126-meter), Gasherbrum I (8080-meter), Broad Peak (8051-meter), Gasherbrum II (8,035-meter) are situated in Pakistan.
“This is the second phase of her campaign wherein she will be attempting to summit Pakistan’s all the above 8000-meter peaks in two months,” Haidri added.
“The 8K Expeditions will now attempt K2, then Broad Peak, and finally Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II,” he remarked.
Just 44 people in history have scaled all the 14 peaks. By achieving the goal Kristin will also become the first one to do so from a Scandinavian country.
“This number is quite staggering as compared to the last year when 550 climbers tried their luck. Several teams have arrived in Pakistan, while multiple outfits have already set off on the trekking mission,” he maintained.
“So far, the permits have been issued till August. But as the summer season will continue till September, the rest of the expeditions will get permits with due course of time,” ACP Secretary told the media.
