Sirbaz Khan’s Aiming For Final Eight-Thousander

Thu Oct 03 2024
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani mountaineer Sirbaz Khan is currently at the base camp of Shishapangma in China, poised to achieve a historic milestone as he aims to become the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders.

Hailing from the Aliabad area of Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Sirbaz has already conquered 13 of these towering peaks, which are over 8,000 meters above sea level. Shishapangma, standing at 8,027 meters (26,335 ft), is recognized as the 14th-highest mountain globally and the last eight-thousander to be climbed, having been first summited in 1964.

In the realm of mountaineering, successfully climbing all 14 eight-thousanders is a prestigious accomplishment, achieved by only 41 climbers worldwide. Sirbaz’s journey began in 2016, marked by a relentless commitment to climbing. His impressive achievements include summiting Nanga Parbat in October 2017, K2 in July 2018, and Lhotse in May 2019, among others. Notably, he made history by becoming the first Pakistani to reach the summit of Mount Lhotse (8,516m) without supplementary oxygen.

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As he embarks on this final ascent, Sirbaz dedicates his achievement to the late Muhammad Ali Sadpara, a revered Pakistani mountaineer. Known for his spirit of volunteerism, Sirbaz has participated in various initiatives organized by the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Pakistan, showcasing his dedication not only to mountaineering but also to community service. As the world watches with bated breath, Sirbaz Khan is on the brink of leaving an indelible mark in the annals of mountaineering history.

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