Pakistani mountaineer Sirbaz Khan is the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.
Khan achieved his final triumph on Friday by scaling Shishapangma, an 8,027-meter peak in Tibet without supplemental oxygen. This marked his completion of the “eight-thousander” challenge, elevating him among the globe’s most esteemed high-altitude climbers.
Originating from Hunza, Khan embarked on his monumental journey in 2017 with the ascent of Nanga Parbat, an 8,126-meter peak known for its peril. His quest continued over the years as he successfully tackled some of the most formidable peaks, including K2 and Lhotse, becoming the first Pakistani to reach the summit of the 8,516-meter Lhotse in May 2019.
Khan’s resolve remained strong, leading him to be the first Pakistani to atop Annapurna, the deadliest mountain globally, in April 2021. He then scaled Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, in May 2021.
In 2022, Khan continued breaking new ground by conquering Kangchenjunga and Makalu, becoming the first Pakistani to summit both. With his ascent of Cho Oyu in October 2023 and Shishapangma in October 2024, Khan completed his quest to scale all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
Khan’s remarkable feats have earned him national and international acclaim, showcasing his skill, determination, and resilience. His contributions to mountaineering make him a true icon in the sport.