Two Pakistanis among 11 climbers summit Nanga Parbat

GILGIT: Two Pakistani climbers were among two groups of 11 mountaineers who successfully reached the summit of Nanga Parbat (8,126 metres), also known as the “Killer Mountain,” expedition organisers confirmed on Friday.

In a statement, Nepal-based tour operator Seven Summit Treks said that eight climbers reached the top on June 3 while fixing the route to the summit. The remaining climbers completed the ascent on Thursday, July 3, marking the anniversary of the mountain’s first successful ascent.

“Nanga Parbat, the westernmost of the 14 eight-thousanders, was first climbed on July 3, 1953, by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl. This year’s summit on the same date holds great significance for our 2025 expedition,” the statement noted.

Among those who summited the peak on Thursday were Paula Birgitta Strengell from Finland, Dorota Lidia-Samocko from Poland, Jorge Egocheaga from Spain, Rana Hassan Javaid and Ali Hassan from Pakistan, and three Nepali climbers — Dawa Sherpa, Pasang Dukpa Sherpa, and Lakpa Temba Sherpa. While, Australian mountaineer Allie Pepper, along with Nepali climbers Mingtemba Sherpa (Mikel) and Dawa Sherpa on Friday.

SEARCH CONTINUES TO LOCATE CZECH CLIMBER

While the expedition marked a moment of celebration, it was also overshadowed by the disappearance of Czech climber Klára Kolouchová, who reportedly fell while descending above Camp II. According to the expedition organisers, Kolouchová was accompanied by her Sherpa, Taraman Tamang, when she slipped on a rocky section of the mountain.

“A coordinated search mission is currently underway, supported by our ground team, her family, and the Pakistani Army, which is deploying a helicopter today to aid in the mission,” SST added.

The Nepalese expedition organiser also dismissed reports circulating in the media that suggested the fall was triggered by the explosion of an oxygen bottle. “This is not true,” the statement clarified. “The loud sound that was heard came from an oxygen bottle striking a rock during the fall, which created a noise resembling an explosion.”

The organization has urged media outlets and the public to share only verified information and to respect the privacy and sensitivity of the situation.

Also read: Czech climber Klára Kolouchová dies on Nanga Parbat