ISLAMABAD – In a historic achievement for Pakistan and women in mountaineering, Naila Kiani summited Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) — the world’s third-highest mountain located in Nepal — on Friday morning, becoming the only Pakistani woman to have scaled 12 of the world’s 14 highest peaks, all above 8,000 metres.
The successful ascent marks a major milestone in her quest to join a highly exclusive global group of climbers who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders — a feat achieved by fewer than 20 women in history.
According to Mingma G, renowned Nepali mountaineer and owner of Imagine Nepal, Kiani reached the summit at 6:00 am local time (5:15 am PKT). Following the summit, her team began their descent from the peak to Camp Four and are currently heading back to base camp.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan’s Secretary, Karrar Haidri, congratulated Kiani on her extraordinary accomplishment, praising her perseverance and strength.
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In a press release issued by her team, Kiani’s summit was described as a defining moment — not just in Pakistan’s mountaineering history, but on the global stage as well. The summit push began at approximately 6:30 pm on Thursday and lasted through a grueling night of intense snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and extreme altitude.
“Despite the challenges, Kiani safely reached the summit, driven by unshakable determination and the support of a nation behind her,” the statement read.
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During her descent, Kiani shared a powerful message:
“From Pakistan to Kanchenjunga, this summit is not just a personal milestone — it’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you think. I’m proud and grateful, but the journey has just begun. Pakistan, this is for you.”
Before launching her summit push, Kiani acknowledged the difficulty of the expedition:
“Climbing Kanchenjunga has been an incredibly difficult experience and a harsh reminder of how demanding it is to climb mountains over 8,000 metres.”
With this summit, Kiani adds Kanchenjunga to a growing list of major ascents, which already includes Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I & II, Annapurna, Lhotse, Manaslu, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Kanchenjunga, notorious for its unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain, is one of the most dangerous of the 8,000-meter peaks — further underscoring the significance of Kiani’s accomplishment.
Earlier this month, Kiani became the first Pakistani woman to summit 11 of the world’s 8,000m peaks. In April last year, she made headlines as the first Pakistani woman to climb Annapurna, the 10th-highest mountain on Earth. The following month, she summited Mount Everest, becoming only the second Pakistani woman to reach the top of the world.
Now just two peaks away from completing all 14 eight-thousanders, Naila Kiani’s journey is nearing a historic conclusion, with her legacy already etched in both Pakistani and international mountaineering history.
