8 Pakistani Women Climbers Make History Reaching 6,040m Khusrgang Peak

8 Pakistani Women Climbers Make History by Summiting the 6,040m Khosar Gang Peak
SKARDU / SHIGAR — In a monumental milestone for women’s sports and mountaineering in Pakistan, a team of eight Pakistani female climbers has successfully scaled the challenging 6,040-meter (19,816 feet) Khosar Gang Peak, setting a historic national record.
The expedition marks the first time such a large, all-female Pakistani contingent has collectively conquered a major 6,000-meter peak in the Karakoram range.
Conquering the ‘Ice Pumpkin’
Located on the left bank of the Braldo River in the Shigar Valley of Baltistan, Khosar Gang—translated locally as the “Ice Pumpkin”—is renowned for its steep, snow-clad slopes and unpredictable high-altitude weather conditions. Standing at an impressive 6,040 meters, the majestic mountain serves as a crucial and punishing training ground for climbers aiming to transition into ultra-high-altitude mountaineering.
The team of eight pushed through grueling sub-zero temperatures, navigating dense ice walls and heavy snowpacks to reach the summit. Upon arrival at the top, the climbers proudly hoisted the green and white Pakistani flag against a clear blue backdrop, celebrating a victory that resounds far beyond the mountaineering community.
A New Era for Women in STEM and Sports
This achievement is being hailed as a major turning point for female empowerment in sports across Pakistan. Historically dominated by male expedition workers and international climbers, the high-altitude landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan is seeing a massive paradigm shift as more local and urban Pakistani women take up the sport.
The success follows the inspiring trailblazing legacies of climbers like Samina Baig and Naila Kiani, further proving that the nation’s women are fully equipped to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global athletes on the world’s highest peaks.
National Congratulations
The Alpine Club of Pakistan, alongside sports ministries and local government officials, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the entire team, their coaches, and the ground support staff who managed the grueling logistics out of the Sildi Village base camp.