Naila Kiani Scales Kanchenjunga, Becomes First Pakistani Woman to Summit 12 of the World’s 14 Highest Peaks
A historic moment for Pakistan as Naila Kiani inches closer to joining the elite group of women climbers who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders.
In a landmark achievement for Pakistan and women in sports, mountaineer Naila Kiani has successfully summited Kanchenjunga—the world’s third highest peak at 8,586 meters—making her the first Pakistani woman to climb 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.
Her historic ascent on Friday was confirmed by Imagine Nepal, her expedition organizer, and celebrated by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), which called it a “monumental milestone in the history of Pakistani mountaineering.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised her achievement in a statement on Saturday, saying:
“It is encouraging to see Pakistani women setting records in a difficult sport like mountaineering. Pakistanis are making their country proud in every field of sports.”
Kiani now stands just two summits away from joining an elite global circle of only 17 women who have conquered all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders—peaks that challenge even the most seasoned climbers with extreme altitudes, treacherous terrains, and volatile weather conditions.
The Pakistani trailblazer has already scaled:
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Mount Everest (8,849m)
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K2 (8,611m)
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Lhotse (8,516m)
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Makalu (8,485m)
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Manaslu (8,156m)
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Annapurna (8,091m)
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Nanga Parbat (8,125m)
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Gasherbrum I (8,068m)
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Gasherbrum II (8,035m)
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Cho Oyu (8,201m)
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Broad Peak (8,047m)
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And now Kanchenjunga (8,586m)
Her remarkable journey is not just about personal achievement—it carries national significance. The ACP stated:
“From the towering heights of Everest and K2 to the perilous slopes of Annapurna and Lhotse, her journey tells a powerful story of grit, resilience, and an unshakable will.”
It added that her feat is “a symbol of empowerment for women in sports, a beacon of hope and inspiration for Pakistan, and a proud moment for every mountaineering enthusiast.”
Naila Kiani, a banker and mother of two, has shattered stereotypes in a male-dominated sport. Her accomplishments have inspired a new generation of women and adventure-seekers in Pakistan to chase impossible dreams and scale new heights—literally and metaphorically.
With only two peaks remaining, Naila Kiani is on the brink of becoming the first Pakistani and one of very few globally to achieve the 14 eight-thousander milestone—a pinnacle of endurance, courage, and excellence in the mountaineering world.
