Shehroz youngest Pakistani to climb all peaks above 8,000m

KARACHI: Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif made history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s peaks exceeding 8,000 meters.

The 22-year-old climber achieved this monumental feat by reaching the summit of Shishapangma (8,027 meters), the last of these high-altitude mountains, early Wednesday morning.

This achievement places him among an elite group of climbers who have conquered all the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, a significant accomplishment in the mountaineering world. Known as the “Broad Boy” for his early success at just 17 years old on Broad Peak, Shehroze is only the second Pakistani to achieve this milestone. The first was Sarbaz Khan, who completed the challenge earlier this year after summiting Shishapangma himself.

“On October 9, 2024, at 3:30 a.m. PST, Shehroze Kashif successfully reached the summit of Shishapangma (8,027 meters), completing his journey of climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. This remarkable achievement makes him the youngest Pakistani to conquer these formidable summits,” his team said in an official announcement.

Shehroze’s success comes after years of perseverance, facing some of the most dangerous and challenging conditions. His journey began in 2019 when, at just 17 years old, he climbed Broad Peak, which stands at 8,047 meters, making him the youngest Pakistani at the time to achieve such a feat. This accomplishment catapulted him to international prominence, earning him the nickname “Broad Boy.”

In 2021, he continued to make waves in the mountaineering world by summiting several of the most iconic peaks, including Mount Everest, the world’s highest at 8,848 meters, Manaslu (8,163 meters), and K2 (8,611 meters), the second-highest and widely considered one of the most dangerous climbs. His momentum continued into 2022 when he successfully reached the summits of Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Makalu (8,485 meters), Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), and both Gasherbrum I (8,080 meters) and Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters), further cementing his reputation as a rising star in the world of mountaineering.

In 2023, Shehroze added three more peaks to his tally: Annapurna (8,091 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,188 meters). However, his attempt to summit Shishapangma that year was thwarted by an accident that forced him to turn back. Had he succeeded, Kashif would have become the youngest climber in the world to summit all 14 of the eight-thousanders. Nevertheless, his determination never wavered.

Upon reaching the summit of Shishapangma, Shehroze expressed his immense pride in overcoming the physical and mental challenges that come with high-altitude climbing. “I knew it was going to be extremely difficult, and the risk of losing my life was real,” he said. “But I kept my focus on the goal. Now that I am standing here, I realise that this achievement is not just about climbing mountains; it’s about overcoming fears, doubts, and limitations. For me, it is nothing short of a miracle,” Kashif said in a statement released by his team.

His journey was also supported by the BARD Foundation. Abdul Razak Dawood, the founder of the BARD Foundation, expressed his elation and pride in Kashif’s achievement.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan also celebrated Kashif’s historic accomplishment. “On behalf of the President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the Executive Board, and all its members, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shehroze Kashif, his fellow climbers, and the entire nation,” said Karrar Haidri, the club’s secretary.