Pakistani Trailblazer: Saad Munawar Conquers Everest’s Northern Route

On May 25, Pakistan witnessed history being made when Saad Munawar became the country’s first climber to conquer Mount Everest via its challenging northern flank, which starts in Tibet. The ascent was even more remarkable because China had just reinstated permission for climbers to use this path earlier in the same year. According to Imagine Nepal, the organizing group behind the expedition, Munawar successfully ascended and has now arrived at Camp 3 before starting his descent back down.

This achievement builds upon a string of recent successes for Pakistani mountaineers. Just last month, Sajid Ali Sadpara reached the summit of Dhaulagiri without using supplementary oxygen or receiving external support. Similarly, Sirbaz Khan ascended Kangchenjenga, the world’s third-highest mountain, under the same challenging conditions. Such feats highlight Pakistan’s increasing prominence in international climbing circles.

Saad Munawar’s climbing experience encompasses notable summits like Aconcagua, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, and Lobuche. The Alpine Club of Pakistan commended him not only for achieving these physical feats but also for his contributions as a mountaineering writer and guide who inspires young explorers in Pakistan.

The team comprised mountaineers hailing from various corners of the globe, each driven by specific goals and causes. Notable members included Dr. Simone Molter from Germany, Angela Yeung from South Africa—who campaigned against gender-based violence—and Chhiri Aangjum Sherpa from Nepal, having achieved her fourth continental peak summits.

This accomplishment not only boosts Saad Munawar’s standing amongst the global top climbers but also signifies Pakistan’s fortitude and growing prominence in the realm of adventure sports. His story illustrates that through perseverance and focus, even the planet’s loftiest summits become attainable.