Pakistani climbers Amina, Siddiqa summit Nepal’s Yalung Ri

Ten women from five countries took part in a groundbreaking mountaineering expedition

ISLAMABAD:

Irfan Arshad Khan, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, extends his heartiest congratulations to the Hamdali 2025 Expedition team on successfully summiting Yalung Ri in Nepal on 7 October 2025.

This remarkable achievement marks a landmark Himalayan women’s mountaineering project led by Danika Gilbert (USA), aimed at fostering international collaboration and empowering female climbers across the great mountain ranges.

A total of ten women from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, and Nepal were invited to participate in this unique expedition. Among them were two Pakistani climbers, Amina Hanif and Siddiqa Hanif from Baltistan, who proudly represented Pakistan and hoisted the national flag on the summit of Yalung Ri (5,630m).

Prior to their departure, both climbers met with the President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), accompanied by Vice President Karrar Haidri, who presented them with the national flag of Pakistan as a symbol of encouragement and national pride. Their family expressed sincere gratitude to ACP President Irfan Arshad Khan for his continuous support and motivation.

The expedition was supported by a team of five seasoned mountain professionals, including IFMGA-certified guides Pasang Kidar Sherpa and Mingma Chitri Sherpa (Nepal), and three accomplished female guides — NNMGA aspirant guide Luckme Tamang (Nepal), mountain guide Danika Gilbert (USA), and assistant guide Tsetan Dolma (India).

This inspiring initiative celebrates the spirit of unity and the expanding role of women in high-altitude mountaineering, aiming to inspire future generations and strengthen cross-border friendships through shared adventure.