Watch: Qatari princess scales Pakistan’s ‘Killer Mountain’ in historic feat
This is Sheikha Asma Al Thani’s 9th summit in quest to conquer all 14 of world's tallest peaks
DUBAI: Qatari royal and mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani has successfully summited Nanga Parbat, becoming the first Qatari woman to conquer the treacherous 8,126-metre-high peak located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Known globally as the “Killer Mountain,” Nanga Parbat is one of the world’s most dangerous climbs due to its severe weather conditions and unforgiving terrain.
This climb marks the ninth successful ascent in Sheikha Asma’s ongoing mission to summit all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders – mountains exceeding 8,000 metres. With this feat, she continues to join the ranks of elite high-altitude climbers and reinforce her position as a pioneer for Arab women in extreme adventure sports.
Brutal climb conditions
Sheikha Asma faced relentless challenges on her route to the summit. From snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures to black ice underfoot and rockfall “every few seconds,” the conditions were brutal. Sharing her experience on Instagram, she wrote: “Alhamdolillah, Nanga Parbat. My ninth 8000er and one of the toughest climbs I’ve faced. This mountain tested me in ways I didn’t expect… a constant reminder of how fragile life truly is.”
She went on to describe the emotional toll and personal transformation that came with the journey: “There was surrender and there was strength I didn’t know I still had. I climb not just to reach summits but to return to what matters.”
Symbol of empowerment
Sheikha Asma hoisted Qatar’s national flag at the summit, making a bold statement for women in mountaineering and adventure sports. Her climb has been widely celebrated for promoting gender equality and challenging stereotypes in the region and beyond.
With her eyes set on completing all 14 eight-thousanders, Sheikha Asma’s accomplishment on Pakistan’s iconic peak has brought her one step closer to this elite club. Only a limited number of climbers globally have managed to summit all of these peaks.
Rising global recognition
Sheikha Asma’s name now features prominently in international mountaineering circles. Her achievements are not only being recognised across the Middle East but also inspiring young climbers, particularly women, from around the world.
Her earlier summits include peaks such as Mount Everest, K2 and Makalu. Each has been documented with powerful reflections and visuals on social media, where she highlights both the physical and emotional demands of high-altitude climbing.
With five peaks remaining in her quest, the Qatari princess continues to defy odds, redefine boundaries, and champion representation on the world’s tallest mountains.