Col. Sher Khan, the Mountain Lion: A Forgotten Lead Climber
Col. Sher Khan’s (Retd) journey was not only defined by the conquest of summits but also by the fulfillment of a legacy—one that is etched in the grand shape of Rakaposhi. This mountain had determined his destiny long before he initially crossed its slopes. Sher Khan narrates; “I would like to say that Rakaposhi, my […]
The K2 Betrayal: When Hunza Tigers Missed the First Ascent of K2
The mountaineering community has overlooked the significant roles played by indigenous climbers, such as the Sherpas, Hunzokutz, and Baltis, during the Himalayan and Karakoram expeditions. Unlike many Western climbers who sought national prestige and global recognition in the race to be the first to summit, mountain communities in the Karakoram and Himalayas participated in early […]
Karakoram Climbing Season Kicks Off Amid Geopolitical Tensions
June 25, 2025 | Concordia, Karakoram The climbing season in the Karakoram region is gaining momentum as numerous mountaineers, porters, and expedition teams converge upon the Baltoro area, targeting the towering 8000-meter peaks—K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum I-II—that dominate the landscape. As July approaches, the Concordia camp is bustling with international climbers, trekking groups, and […]
Remembering the Nanga Parbat Massacre of 2013: From Horror to Hope through the Eyes of Survivors
On June 22, 2013, on a tranquil night in the Himalayas, beneath the imposing Nanga Parbat, a group of armed terrorists dressed in paramilitary uniforms invaded Base Camp. In just a few minutes, one of Pakistan’s most heartbreaking mountaineering tragedies unfolded: ten foreign climbers and one Pakistani cook lost their lives in a brutal attack. […]
Czech Climbers Make First Ascent of Hunza Peak’s Southwest Face in Daring Alpine Push
Pakistan’s Karakoram, June 21, 2025 — In Pakistan’s Karakoram range, Czech alpinists Radoslav Groh and Zdenek Hák have accomplished the first ascent of the 6,270-meter Hunza Peak’s imposing 3,000-meter Southwest Face. The June 18 ascent is a major accomplishment in contemporary alpine climbing. Zdenek Hak, left, and Radoslav Groh on Hunza Peak. Photo: Radoslav Groh […]
New Route Opened on Spantik’s East Ridge: Climbing Style or Number of Summits?
Muiz Ud Din of Pakistan and Mathieu Maynadier of France have opened a remarkable new alpine-style route on the East Ridge of 7,029-meter Spantik. This milestone reaffirms climbing as a craft rooted in style, ethics, and connection with nature, rather than just a game of 8,000-meter summits. Their climb, accomplished in a classical alpine style […]
Historic First Ascent: Southeast Pillar of Ultar Sar Finally Climbed
The first ascent of the Southeast Pillar of Ultar Sar (7,388m) in Pakistan’s Karakoram range has been accomplished by a group of elite alpinists, including Ethan Berman, Sebastian Pelletti, and Maarten van Haeren. The three took on the 3,100-meter tricky face in alpine style, with the support of the Alpine Club of Canada’s John Lauchlan […]
Best 5 Resort and Ski Touring Areas in Pakistan – Explore Snow Adventures in the Northern Pakistan
Pakistan’s dramatic mountains and trekking trails are normally what come to mind, but not this incredible winter sports. From high-alpine ski resorts to virgin ski-touring valleys, Pakistan’s north is a secret ski and snowboarding heaven. Whether resort skiing or backcountry ski-touring is your passion, these five spots for beginners to advanced skiers deliver wild adventures […]
Climbing Guide: Legacy Wall – Trail 3 Area, Margalla Hills
Legacy Wall is one of the most accessible and well-liked crags in Margalla. It features a series of well-bolted sport climbs across a wide grade range. With good quality limestone, excellent bolting, and varied climbing styles, it’s a perfect spot for climbers seeking good challenges around Islamabad. Most routes stay dry even in light rain, […]
Climbing Guide: God Rock – Said Pur Area, Margalla Hill
God Rock is an overhanging limestone crag dramatically concealed behind the Said Pur valley, with powerful, pumpy climbing and dark shade all day long. It’s one of the few places on Margalla that can be climbed in summer because of the crag´s location in the dense forest and also rain shelter. While the climbing is […]
Rock Climbing Guide: Beetle’s Nest – Said Pur Area, Margalla Hills
Beetle’s Nest is the highest climbing crag in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills and the only multi-pitch sport climbing route. It features Islamabad’s finest quality rock with its face and crack climbing mix. Due to much sun exposure, it is ideal in winter and off-season. Ideal Time/Season: Best in winter and chilly spring/fall days. Too exposed for […]
Rock Climbing Guide: Jungle Rock – Daman-e-Koh, Margalla Hills
Jungle Rock is the best destination in Margalla for hard sport climbing, with steep overhangs and long sustained routes. Popular for its enduro pumpy climbing and big climbing, the crag has quickly become Islamabad’s climbing center. Ideal Season/Time: The best time is in cooler months. The wall gets shaded from early afternoon. Dry for most […]