Naila Kiani Conquers Kanchenjunga, Achieves Milestone in Mountaineering

Pakistan’s prominent female mountaineer, Naila Kiani, has successfully scaled Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. This achievement marks her 12th summit of mountains exceeding 8,000 meters, bringing her closer to becoming one of the few women to conquer all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

Kanchenjunga, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet), is situated on the border separating Nepal and India. Although it is India’s tallest mountain, ascents from the Indian side are prohibited.

Kiani initiated her final ascent from Camp IV on Thursday evening and reached the summit at approximately 6 a.m. Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) on Friday.

She proudly displayed Pakistan’s flag at the summit of Kanchenjunga, which is the world’s third-highest, Nepal’s second-highest, and India’s highest peak.

According to her base camp support team, the summit attempt commenced around 6:30 p.m. PKT and proceeded throughout the night, encountering severe high-altitude conditions, including substantial snowfall and below-freezing temperatures.

Despite the challenging conditions, Kiani persevered and reached the summit, propelled by unwavering resolve.

“From Pakistan to Kanchenjunga, this summit represents more than just a personal achievement; it conveys a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: your strength exceeds your perception,” Kiani expressed in a statement conveyed through her team.

“I am both proud and grateful, but the journey continues. Pakistan, this triumph is dedicated to you,” she further stated.

With this accomplishment, Naila Kiani stands as the only Pakistani woman to have summited 12 of the 14 peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.

She now requires only two more climbs—Shishapangma and Dhaulagiri—to join an exclusive group of just 17 women globally who have successfully ascended all 14 eight-thousanders.

Naila embarked on her high-altitude climbing career in 2021 by successfully scaling Gasherbrum II.

Since that initial climb, she has conquered some of the world’s most formidable peaks, including K2 (2022), Gasherbrum I (2022), Annapurna (2023), Mount Everest (2023), Lhotse (2023), Nanga Parbat (2023), Broad Peak (2023), Cho Oyu (2023), and Mount Makalu (2024).

She is the sole Pakistani woman to have reached the summit of all five of Pakistan’s 8,000-meter peaks.

Naila also holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to ascend at least nine peaks exceeding 8,000 meters globally, solidifying her status as the nation’s most accomplished female mountaineer.

Her steadfast commitment to mountaineering has established her as a symbol of resilience and an inspiration to women both in Pakistan and across the globe.