From Karachi to Skore La: three women chart a new trail in GB


Karachi women become first to cross historic Skore La Pass
Karachi women become first to cross historic Skore La Pass — ScreenGrab

SHIGAR: Three women from Karachi have become the first to cross the 5,150-metre Skore La Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, completing the trek in five days under the guidance of local mountaineer Mohammad Ali Shighri.

The group comprised Paras Ali, a well-known trekker from Karachi, along with Nida Fatima and Amna Sattar, both housewives with a passion for trekking. The expedition was arranged by CEO of Summit K2 Adventure Muhammad Ali Shighri.

“This route had not been attempted in the last 20 years, although it was used by our ancestors for trade between the areas,” Shighri said.

“I had been reminding Paras about this route for some time. This year, she showed interest, and we provided all the arrangements,” he said.

Shighri said the team also involved local porters and the community so that they could benefit from tourism. “We wanted the local community to benefit from this expedition as well,” he added.

The group successfully crossed Scory Broq and reached Scory village after navigating the pass.

Paras Ali said the team chose Scory La because it had remained unexplored for many years. “We selected Scory La because this route had not been explored for a long time,” she said.

She said she frequently treks with her female friends and had previously completed the Snow Lake trek via Hispar Pass with Nida and Amna two years ago.

“The landscapes are versatile, with greenery, snow and the high pass,” Paras said, describing the five-day journey as enjoyable.

Nida Fatima said trekking with friends made the experience even more memorable. “Trekking with friends is a different level of fun,” she said.

“Our aim is to explore lesser-known routes so that Pakistan’s hidden places can be introduced to the world,” Nida added.

She said the trail offered a striking mix of mountains, greenery, waterfalls and ranges along the way.

Amna Sattar, who developed mild high-altitude sickness during the trek, said she had been inspired by Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s books since childhood.

“I have been inspired by Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s books since I was a child,” Amna said. “The route was challenging but exciting because it had remained untouched for so long.”

The women completed the expedition despite strong winds, storms and snowstorms. They have announced plans to undertake more challenging trails in Gilgit-Baltistan in the future as well.

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