Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s most renowned female climber, has added yet another milestone to her list of achievements. She is now the first Pakistani female to reach the top of Kanchenjunga, the third tallest mountain in the world with a height of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
Conquering Hardships to Touch the Summit
Naila started her last push for the summit on Thursday night, braving harsh conditions such as sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and deep snow, according to her team. She ascended overnight and made it to the top early on Friday morning.
This ascent took not just physical fortitude but also psychological toughness. The unforgiving landscape and weather conditions pushed every boundary — but Naila pushed on, once more demonstrating her elite level in the realm of mountaineering.
A Step Closer to Global Mountaineering Greatness
With this ascent, Naila Kiani has succeeded in climbing 12 of the world’s 14 highest summits that stand over 8,000 meters high — an unprecedented feat in the realm of high-altitude mountaineering. She now stands on the threshold of belonging to a rare worldwide club of only 20 women globally to have climbed all fourteen 8,000-meter mountains.
More Than a Personal Milestone — A Message of Empowerment
In her post-summit declaration, Naila highlighted that this achievement transcends individual pride.
“This is not a personal achievement. It’s a powerful reminder to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond — you hold more strength than you ever believed,” she stated.
Her achievement is a shining example to women in sports and adventure, particularly for those nations where these areas are less frequented by women.
Supported by the BARDA Foundation
This amazing adventure was made possible through the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation, which works to empower and enhance gifted Pakistanis from all walks of life.
Abdul Razak Dawood lauded Naila’s feat as “historic” and a testament to the qualities that the foundation believes in.
“We work to develop champions, and Naila’s achievement is proof positive of what hard work and encouragement can do,” he said.
More Than a Mountaineer: A Multifaceted Role Model
Naila Kiani is not only a mountaineer. She is also:
An aerospace engineer
A banker
A competitive boxer
A mother of two
A co-founder of an AI startup
Her multiplicity and achievements in different walks of life have made her one of the most encouraging personalities in Pakistan today.
Conclusion: Redefining Limits for Pakistani Women
Naila Kiani’s successful Kanchenjunga ascent is a moment of national pride and a giant leap forward for women in adventure sports. She is not only redefining what’s possible for women in Pakistan but is also placing the country on the global mountaineering map with unwavering determination.
As she inches nearer to joining the extremely elite group of individuals on the planet to conquer all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, Naila continues to inspire a new generation of climbers to aim higher and conquer every challenge — no matter how steep the climb.
