Four Women from Gilgit-Baltistan Successfully Summit Spantik Peak
GILGIT: Four women mountaineers from Gilgit-Baltistan have successfully reached the summit of 7,027-metre Spantik Peak, achieving the feat alongside a Romanian climber and a mountaineer from Punjab.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that the local women’s team reached the summit and later returned safely to Skardu on Monday. The climbers completed the ascent without the assistance of high-altitude porters.
The successful members of the women’s team were Shama Baqir and Samana Rahim from Shimshal Valley, Zooni Aslam from Gulmit Valley in Gojal, and Zaiba Batool Shigri from Shigar district.
Another member of the expedition, Bismah Hassan from Lahore, had to stop around 250 metres below the summit after experiencing a health issue.
Romanian Climber Also Completes Spantik Ascent
Romanian climber Alexandra Visan was also part of the expedition and successfully reached the summit before returning safely.
Her climb was particularly notable because she has been battling cancer. The expedition was organised by Broad Boy Adventures, led by Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif.
According to Kashif, Visan was accompanied by high-altitude porter Ali Ameen from Shigar.
Punjab-based climber Ayyan Adeel also successfully summited Spantik. The expedition organisers said he became the youngest climber to reach the summit without high-altitude porter support while carrying his own equipment with assistance from fellow expedition members.
Weather Creates Challenges for Recovery Efforts
While the successful summit attempts brought positive news from the mountain, deteriorating weather conditions have created difficulties for recovery operations.
Dr Asma Mushtaq died at an altitude of around 6,250 metres while descending from Spantik. Her body remains at Camp 3 as rescue teams continue efforts to bring her down the mountain.
A six-member team of high-altitude porters reached Camp 2 on Sunday and attempted to move towards Camp 3. However, heavy rain and snowfall forced the team to return to Camp 2.
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, weather conditions are expected to improve, allowing rescuers to make another attempt to transport Dr Mushtaq’s body to base camp. Pakistan Army helicopters are then expected to assist with the airlift to Skardu.
Broad Peak Recovery Efforts Also Delayed
Bad weather has also affected helicopter operations at 8,047-metre Broad Peak, where the body of American climber Sarah Mallory Geis remains at the base camp awaiting transportation.
The latest developments highlight both the achievements of climbers in the region and the difficult weather conditions currently affecting mountaineering and rescue operations in northern Pakistan.
