WEBDESK: Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has made history by successfully climbing Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. This climb, completed on May 23, 2025, marks her 12th summit of a mountain higher than 8,000 meters, placing her closer than ever to joining a very exclusive global club.
Kangchenjunga stands at 8,586 meters and is located between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim. Known for its extreme difficulty and unpredictable weather, summiting this mountain is considered a major achievement in the world of mountaineering.
She has now become the first Pakistani woman to successfully ascend 12 of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders. Of the 14, a mere 17 individuals worldwide and in a short time, Kiani is on her way to becoming the first Pakistani, man or woman, to accomplish this feat.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan recognized her achievement and described it as a great achievement for Pakistan’s mountaineers. Her accomplishments keep encouraging climbers and adventurers throughout Pakistan and the world.
Naila Kiani: A Closer Look
Naila Kiani is not only a mountaineer she is a full-time banker based in Dubai, an aerospace engineer, an amateur boxer, and a mother of two. Her wide range of talents and dedication to her goals have made her a role model, especially for young women in Pakistan.
Over time, Naila Kiani has made it to the top of some of the toughest mountains in the world, like, Mount Everest, K2, Annapurna, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Her hard work and achievements have been recognised with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors.
