Shehroze Kashif made history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
His final ascent was of Shishapangma, which stands at 8,027 meters, successfully reached in the early hours at 3:30 AM, as confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP).
The 22-year-old’s incredible journey, marked by unwavering dedication and perseverance, culminated in this remarkable achievement. By conquering all the 8,000-meter peaks worldwide, he has etched his name in the record books, proudly raising the Pakistani flag on each of these formidable mountains, according to the ACP.
Just days earlier, mountaineer Sirbaz Khan became the first Pakistani to summit all 8,000ers on October 4, also at Shishapangma peak.
Summiting all 14 of these “eight-thousanders” is regarded as the pinnacle of mountaineering. Climbers face “death zones” where oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain human life for extended periods.
At just 17, Shehroze achieved his first major breakthrough by summiting Broad Peak, earning him the nickname ‘The Broad Boy.’
ACP Secretary Karrar Haidri congratulated Shehroze, his team, and the nation on this historic accomplishment. “On behalf of the president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the executive board, and all its members, I extend congratulations to Shehroze for this proud moment,” he stated.
“Shehroze’s achievement not only signifies personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of Pakistani mountaineers,” he added.
The BARD Foundation, which has sponsored Shehroze’s expeditions, took to social media to celebrate his success.
“We are immensely proud to have been part of Shehroze’s journey. His dedication and achievements inspire us all,” the foundation said.
“From his first summit of Broad Peak at 17 to his recent triumph at Shishapangma, Shehroze’s journey has been a continuous display of perseverance and national pride. By raising the Pakistani flag on every peak, Shehroze has carved a place for himself in mountaineering history and elevated the country’s standing on the global stage,” they added.
Shehroze’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters:
- Broad Peak (8,047m) – July 18, 2019
- Mount Everest (8,849m) – May 11, 2021
- K2 (8,611m) – July 27, 2021
- Kangchenjunga (8,586m) – May 5, 2022
- Mount Lhotse (8,516m) – May 16, 2022
- Nanga Parbat (8,126m) – July 1, 2022
- Gasherbrum II (8,035m) – August 3, 2022
- Gasherbrum I (8,080m) – August 11, 2022
- Manaslu (8,163m) – September 2022
- Annapurna (8,091m) – April 2023
- Makalu (8,485m) – May 2023
- Cho Oyu (8,201m) – June 2023
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – July 2023
- Shishapangma (8,027m) – October 9, 2024
Meanwhile, on the same day, an 18-year-old Nepali mountaineer set the record for the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Nima Rinji Sherpa reached the summit of Shishapangma, completing his mission to stand atop the world’s highest peaks.
“He reached the summit this morning. He had trained well, and I was confident he would succeed,” his father Tashi Sherpa told AFP.
“This summit is not just the culmination of my personal journey but a tribute to every Sherpa who has ever dared to dream beyond the traditional boundaries set for us,” Sherpa stated.
“Mountaineering is more than labor; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion.”
Sherpa comes from a family of record-holding mountaineers and now runs Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company.
The previous record was held by another Nepali climber, Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa, who achieved it in 2019 at the age of 30.
Nima Rinji Sherpa, who has multiple records from climbing dozens of peaks, began high-altitude climbing at 16, with his ascent of Mount Manaslu in August 2022.
By June this year, he had climbed his 13th mountain, Kangchenjunga, the world’s third highest.
“This is a proud moment for our country,” said Nima Nuru Sherpa, president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
“Nima has broken all stereotypes, and his success sends a message that nothing is impossible with strong determination.”
Nepali climbers, predominantly ethnic Sherpas from the valleys around Everest, are regarded as the backbone of the climbing industry in the Himalayas.
They carry most of the equipment and food, fix ropes, and repair ladders.
Long overshadowed as supporters of foreign climbers, they are gradually being recognized for their achievements.
In 2021, a team of Nepali climbers made the first winter ascent of K2, the world’s second-highest peak, known for its challenging conditions.
