Naila Kiani Becomes First Pakistani Woman to Summit 12 of the World’s Highest Peaks

In a remarkable achievement for Pakistani mountaineering, Naila Kiani has successfully scaled Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the world’s third-highest peak, located on the border between Nepal and India. This ascent marks her 12th summit of the 14 highest mountains globally, making her the first Pakistani woman to reach this milestone.

Kiani reached the summit at approximately 6:00 AM Pakistan Standard Time on May 23, 2025, after a challenging overnight climb that began from Camp IV the previous evening. She faced severe high-altitude conditions, including intense snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.

With only two peaks remaining—Shishapangma (8,027m) in Tibet and Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) in Nepal—Kiani is on the cusp of joining an elite group of fewer than 20 women worldwide who have conquered all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.

Beyond her climbing feats, Kiani is known for her advocacy in environmental conservation and women’s empowerment. She has led high-altitude cleanup campaigns, including one on K2, and has been involved in recovery missions for fellow climbers.

Kiani’s journey from a former banker to a record-setting mountaineer serves as an inspiration, particularly for women in Pakistan and around the world. Her message during the descent from Kanchenjunga was clear: “This summit is not just a personal milestone; it’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you think.”

#NailaKiani #KanchenjungaSummit #PakistaniMountaineer #WomenInMountaineering #EightThousanders