Shehroze Kashif, a 20-year-old mountaineer from Pakistan who set a new world record by climbing K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, has now departed for Nepal with the goal of climbing all 14 peaks higher than 8,000 metres.
Shehroze was said farewell by his parents and other friends and family members, and he revealed his ambitious goal to become the world’s youngest climber to conquer every mountain above 8,000 metres. The youngest climber in the history of the sport, he has already ascended 10 peaks that are 8,000 metres or higher.
He left for Nepal in order to try Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m). After a successful summit, he will need to climb just two more summits to set a record for the youngest climber to ascend all 14 8000-meter peaks.
Kashif Salman, Shehroze’s father who is his staunch supporter said, “I always say Shehroze is a gifted human and Allah has blessed him with powers so he can do extraordinary things.”
Shehroze’s mother, who was also present at the airport to see him off and was visibly emotional, said that “when I asked during his K2 Summit to come back and asked, you don’t miss home? He used to show me the mountains and would say, this is my home mom”. She wished the best to her son and said he will make Pakistan proud.
The 14 peaks, commonly referred to as the “eight-thousanders,” are a group of mountains that are higher than 8,000 metres (26,247 feet). Because so few climbers have been successful in reaching the top of every one of these mountains, they are recognised as the hardest and most dangerous mountains in the world.
Shehroze has inspired young mountaineers all across the world with his perseverance, enthusiasm, and skill. He has the view that everyone, no matter how great or small, can fulfil their dreams through perseverance and hard effort.
On his future battle, Shehroze said, “I’m committed to achieving this objective and bringing honour to my nation. Young people should follow their passions and aspirations, no matter how challenging they may seem to be.”
