Pakistan unveils 2nd all-women Khusar Gang expedition for 2026

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Alpine Club of Pakistan President Major General Irfan Arshad Khan said Pakistan continues to build a positive image internationally

ISLAMABAD: The Alpine Club of Pakistan has announced the launch of the Second Women Khusar Gang Expedition 2026, reaffirming its commitment to promoting women’s participation in mountaineering, adventure sports, and outdoor leadership.

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Alpine Club of Pakistan President Major General Irfan Arshad Khan said Pakistan continues to build a positive image internationally, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Pakistani women across various fields. He also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the club’s golden jubilee, featuring four of Pakistan’s iconic mountain peaks.

The expedition will see a team of female climbers attempt to summit Khusar Gang, a 6,040-metre peak located in the scenic Shigar Valley of the Karakoram mountain range. The initiative follows the successful all-women Bari La expedition organized during the club’s golden jubilee celebrations, which received widespread national and international recognition.

The selected participants represent all provinces, along with Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The climbers were chosen through a transparent selection process overseen by a committee of experienced female mountaineers led by renowned Pakistani climber Naila Kiani.

Organizers said the expedition aims to provide women with practical high-altitude climbing experience, strengthen leadership skills, and encourage greater female participation in adventure sports across Pakistan.

The Alpine Club also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mountaineering, adventure tourism, environmental awareness, and gender inclusion, pledging to create more opportunities for young Pakistanis—particularly women—to showcase their abilities in the country’s mountainous regions.

The club further announced that it will organize the K2 Baltoro Clean-Up Expedition 2026 in September. The initiative is designed to protect the fragile mountain environment by removing waste from trekking routes while promoting responsible tourism and environmental conservation.

Officials said Pakistan’s majestic mountain ranges are among the country’s most valuable natural assets, and the club remains dedicated to preserving them for future generations while encouraging greater participation in adventure sports.