On the occasion of International Mountain Day, we shed light on the stories and achievements of women mountaineers and their challenges…
International mountain day
International Mountain Day, celebrated annually on December 11th, provides a platform to recognise and appreciate the significance of mountains in our ecosystems and cultures. In the context of women mountaineers, this day becomes an opportunity to acknowledge the indomitable spirit of women who conquer peaks, break barriers, and redefine the narrative in the traditionally male-dominated world of mountaineering.
Women mountaineers contribute significantly to the exploration and conquest of challenging summits, demonstrating resilience, skill, and determination. Their achievements not only uplift them as individuals but also inspire countless others to venture into high-altitude adventures. International Mountain Day serves as a moment to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of these trailblazing women who navigate the world’s most majestic peaks. It’s a day to honour their courage, share their stories, and foster a community that encourages and supports the aspirations of women in the mountains. As we commemorate International Mountain Day, it is an opportune time to shed light on the stories and achievements of women mountaineers and their challenges…
Paras, mother of a four-year-old, developed a passion for travel and trekking from a young age, exploring mountains with her parents. Even after starting a family, Paras and her husband continued their tradition of annual family vacations, starting with small hikes in valleys, forests, and lakes. She embarked on her first expedition at the age of 33, trekking to Rush Lake in Nagar for six days.
Balancing her roles as a housewife and an avid trekker, she occasionally finds it challenging but appreciates the support she receives, especially in female-led groups. She takes pride in leading fellow female trekkers, highlighting a recent adventure to Concordia K2 as a unique and fulfilling experience.
Recounting her experiences, she emphasises the importance of mental fitness for mountaineers and aspires to promote Pakistan as a top tourist destination through positive travel experiences with all-female teams. In her pursuit, she views herself as her only competition and draws inspiration from continual self-improvement.
Paras underscores the importance of mental fitness for mountaineers and envisions promoting Pakistan as a top tourist destination. Her efforts involve showcasing a positive image of the country by leading an all-girls team on travels throughout Pakistan.
Naila Kiani, a mountaineer from Rawalpindi, fulfilled her childhood dream of seeing K2 by undertaking the K2 basecamp trek in 2018. This experience ignited her passion for mountaineering. She achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first woman to climb an 8000er in Pakistan. Despite facing criticism for her unconventional pursuit as a married woman with young children, she is inspired by those breaking stereotypes. Reflecting on her climbs, she stresses the importance of overcoming uncertainty and fear. With only a few female mountaineers in Pakistan, she encourages aspiring climbers to start with small treks, gradually progressing to more challenging activities. As an Associate Vice President at HSBC bank in Dubai, Naila envisions climbing more peaks in North Pakistan and cherishes the dream of summiting K2.
Saba Haleem became the first Pakistani woman to summit Gondogoro Peak (6008m ASL). A senior economics student at LUMS, her adventure journey began with the LUMS Adventure Society (LAS) who she credits for pushing her limits and providing unwavering support, considering them her second family.
At 20, Saba embarked on her first expedition to Lupghar Pir Pass (5210m) after several shorter treks, including Haramosh Basecamp. Climbing Gondogoro Peak presented challenges, especially near the summit, where weather conditions made ascent difficult. Despite the hurdles, she draws inspiration from the belief in pushing personal limits and finding excitement in challenges. As a woman, she encourages others to persist in their aspirations, acknowledging the additional challenges but highlighting that nothing is impossible.
Supported by her parents and LAS members, Saba advocates for girls aspiring to be mountaineers. Looking ahead, she plans to climb an unclimbed peak with her team, intending to name it after the LAS society.
Hailing from Rahim Yar Khan, Rabia and Sadia Maqbool, the sister duo behind ‘Travel Girls’ organise trekking expeditions in Northern Pakistan, with a focus on empowering female adventurers. Rabia, a former physics lecturer, and Sadia, a telecom engineering graduate, discovered their passion for mountaineering and adventure sports. Sadia led the first female team to cross Banak La pass in 2019, sparking confidence and leading to numerous treks and expeditions.
Their travels introduced them to mountain legends like Ali Sadpara and Samina Baig, who became their role models. Over the past few years, Travel Girls has undertaken challenging treks to K2, Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, Tirch Mir Basecamps, Banak La, and Shimshal Pass. Despite facing societal norms and family resistance initially, the sisters found support from their brothers and succeeded in breaking barriers for female mountaineers.
They underline the importance of training and preparation for mountaineering challenges. Rabia’s memorable first trek to Nanga Parbat basecamp in 2014, and Sadia’s experience leading the Banak La expedition, mark significant milestones in their mountaineering journeys.
Their greatest accomplishment lies in challenging the notion that women, especially mothers and married girls, cannot travel alone or engage in challenging mountain sports. Rabia and Sadia aim to continue their work, encouraging more girls to venture into the field of adventure travel.
