Sultana Bibi has joined the elite ranks of Pakistani female mountaineers who have scaled K2, the second highest mountain in the world. Completing her ascent early Monday morning, she became the third woman from Pakistan to accomplish this formidable feat. Her achievement adds to the legacy established by Samina Baig and Niala Kiani, who were the first two Pakistani women to summit the 8,611-meter peak in July 2022.
Journey to K2
Sultana embarked on her journey from Skardu in June, accompanied by two teams of climbers. Her team consisted entirely of six female climbers from Pakistan, while the other was a joint expedition of Pakistani and Italian climbers. The expedition was led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sirbaz Ali, who guided them through the perilous climb to the summit of K2.
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Challenge of K2
K2, often referred to as the “savage mountain,” is notorious for its dangerous climbing conditions. George Bell, a mountaineer who attempted K2 in 1953, famously remarked, “It’s a savage mountain that tries to kill you.” The mountain’s fatality rate stands at approximately 23 deaths per 100 climbers, according to Ultimate Kilimanjaro. Climbers face unpredictable weather, frequent avalanches, rock falls, and treacherous routes, making it one of the most challenging climbs in the world.
Women’s Empowerment Through Mountaineering
Sultana Bibi’s achievement is a significant milestone for women in Pakistan, showcasing their potential to excel in extreme sports traditionally dominated by men. GB-based journalist Abdul Rehman Bukhari hailed her ascent as a “historic” moment for Pakistani women, emphasizing that it is a testament to the country’s ability to produce world-class mountaineers. “Sultana’s achievement is a tribute to women empowerment and a testament to the fact that with determination and hard work, women can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Bukhari said.
Tribute to Team Effort
Sultana’s expedition included several accomplished climbers who successfully reached the summit. These included Sirbaz Khan, the team leader, Abdul Joshi, Ejaz Karim, Faryad, Sherzad Karim, Ali Muhammad Sarpara, and Muhammad Ali Sarpara. The coordinated effort and camaraderie among the climbers played a crucial role in their success, underscoring the importance of teamwork in conquering such formidable challenges.
K2’s Unique Perils
Mountaineers tackling K2 must navigate the “Bottleneck,” a notorious section known for its high fatality rate due to ice falls and avalanches. This challenging part of the route is often described as one of the most treacherous by the mountaineering community. Climbers from around the world have perished in their attempts to reach K2’s summit, making any successful ascent a remarkable achievement.
Record-Breaking Ascent
In a related achievement, French climber Benjamin Vedrines summited K2 in record time on Sunday, reaching the peak in just under 11 hours. His ascent without the aid of bottled oxygen slashed the previous record of 23 hours set by fellow Frenchman Benoit Chamoux in 1986. Vedrines had attempted the summit in 2022 but was forced to turn back due to hypoxia, a condition caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. “I took my revenge on this mountain,” Vedrines said, reflecting on his successful climb.
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Standing at 8,611 meters on the Pakistan-China border, K2 is 238 meters shorter than Everest but is considered more technically challenging. Elite climbers regard summiting K2 as a quintessential achievement. First scaled in 1954, the mountain continues to draw mountaineers seeking to test their limits and set new records on its jagged slopes.