Naila Kiani and Nadia Azad, two Pakistani high-altitude climbers, summited Mount Lhotse in Nepal on Tuesday, setting new records in the process.
Kiani, a Pakistani banker, amateur boxer, and mother of two from Dubai, became the first Pakistani woman to climb the mountain and conquer six of the world’s 14 tallest peaks, all of which are higher than 8,000 metres above sea level.
Azad, who was leading her own trip, was not far behind, having conquered three of the fourteen massive peaks after summiting Mount Lhotse. Previously, she scaled Mount Annapurna and the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest.
Nadia Azad is also the second Pakistani woman, after Samina Baig, to have climbed the Seven Summits, the world’s highest mountains.
“Accompanied by Imagine Nepal’s Sherpa guide Mr. Pasang Temba Sherpa, Ms. Naila Kiani reached the summit on 16th May 2023 at 8:13 am,” Dawa Gyaljen Sherpa told Arab News by phone. “She was also the first international climber this season to reach the summit of Everest.” She has now done six of the fourteen eight-thousanders with Lhotse.”
Azad was also assisted by the foremost Nepalese trekking and mountain climbing operator, who congratulated her on her accomplishment.
In a Facebook post, the organization claimed, “Imagine Nepal’s second client and Sherpa, Ms. Nadia Azad, and Pemba Chhiri Sherpa, reaching the summit of the fourth highest mountain.”
“They reached the summit at 11:00 a.m. on May 16, 2023.” This is Nadia’s third 14-thousands with Imagine Nepal this season, following Everest on 14 May and Annapurna on 15 April 2023.”
Mingma G, the company’s owner, and a renowned Nepalese climber, told Arab News that Kiani was a proficient mountain climber capable of setting new marks.
“She is a physically very strong woman,” he remarked. “If she receives financial support, she will be able to break many previous records.”
In Pakistan, Kiani has also climbed K2, Gasherbrum-I, and Gasherbrum-II. Her most recent accomplishment was also recognized by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, who commended her on “creating climbing history” by becoming the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Lhotse.
