Pakistani mountaineer makes history on Kanchenjunga summit

In a moment of great pride for Pakistan, renowned mountaineer Sirbaz Khan has made history by summiting Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters) without supplemental oxygen, becoming the first Pakistani to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks—each over 8,000 meters—without using bottled oxygen.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, this remarkable feat was accomplished on the morning of May 18 in Nepal, according to Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. 

Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, was scaled by Sirbaz in full alpine style—a method marked by complete independence and minimal support, without fixed camps or external oxygen.

Haidri emphasised that Sirbaz Khan's incredible journey is a decade-long tale of passion, sacrifice, and endurance, adding that he climbed all the eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen and without using pre-established camps. 

This achievement not only places Sirbaz Khan among the elite ranks of the world’s greatest climbers but also illuminates Pakistan’s name on the global mountaineering stage.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan has officially declared Sirbaz Khan a national hero, with Haidri noting that this son of Gilgit-Baltistan has etched his place among the finest climbers in mountaineering history.

“Sirbaz Khan’s success,” said Haidri, “is a glowing torch of inspiration for the new generation.”

Reporter: Rozina Ali