Naila Kiani, a trailblazer in the world of mountaineering, recently made history by becoming the first Pakistani female mountaineer to reach the summit of Kanchenjunga peak. This peak, standing tall at 8,586 meters, is the world’s third highest mountain. Kiani’s achievement marks her 12th successful ascent of the ‘Eight Thousanders’, a group of mountains with peaks over 8,000 meters high. With just two more peaks to conquer, she is on track to join the ranks of the 17 elite women mountaineers who have scaled all 14 Eight Thousanders. Her next targets are Cho Oyu and Shishapangma, as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of mountaineering.
In a remarkable journey spanning less than three years, Naila Kiani has already made history by summiting 11 of the 14 Eight Thousanders. From the formidable K2 and Everest to Lhotse, Makalu, and Annapurna I, she has conquered some of the most challenging peaks in the world. Her incredible feat of summiting seven 8,000-meter peaks in just six months in 2023 sets her apart as one of the few climbers worldwide to achieve such a milestone in a single climbing season. Not only is Kiani a fearless climber, but she is also an environmental activist, advocating for sustainable climbing practices and inspiring a new generation of Pakistani women to dream big and break barriers.
Apart from her climbing achievements, Naila Kiani has led environmental initiatives such as high-altitude clean-ups and recovery missions for fellow climbers. Her work with the BARD Foundation has brought closure to grieving families and highlighted the importance of preserving the natural beauty of these majestic mountains. Kiani’s resilience, courage, and unwavering pursuit of excellence make her a true embodiment of the spirit of adventure and exploration. As she continues her quest to conquer the remaining Eight Thousanders, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of a nation, proving that with determination and passion, anything is possible in the world of mountaineering.
