On Tuesday, 21-year-old Shehroze Kashif ascended the 8,163-metre Manaslu peak in Nepal for the second time, cementing his position as the youngest climber to conquer 12 summits over 8,000 metres, as confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Though Kashif had previously reached Manaslu’s peak in September 2021, that feat went unrecognized due to the use of an alternative ascent route, dubbed the “Rolwaling Diversion.” This unconventional approach sparked debates about the true peak of the mountain while also earning accolades from alpinists globally for its innovative nature.
A Rising Star in Mountaineering
Originating from Lahore, Kashif’s passion for climbing ignited at age 11. He steadily advanced from tackling peaks of 3,000 metres to the world-renowned Mount Everest and K2, setting records as the youngest individual to reach these formidable heights. At 11, Kashif’s venture to the 3,885-metre Makra Peak stood out, and his 2019 expedition to the 8,047-metre Broad Peak in the Gilgit-Baltistan region christened him “The Broad Boy.”
