Teen girl summits khushal gang

A 14 year old girl from Pakistan’s Balochistan province has achieved an inspiring milestone by climbing one of the country’s highest mountains despite facing family concerns and difficult training.

Malika Khilji became the first young girl from Balochistan to reach the top of Khushal Gang a 6,040 meter high peak making history with her achievement.

she had always loved sports but growing up she had very few opportunities to take part. When she got the chance to learn mountaineering she decided to follow her passion.

She explained that she received a training scholarship from the Alpine Club of Pakistan and the Balochistan Institute for Tourism Hospitality and Culture Management where she began formal mountain climbing training.

Malika shared that her family was not supportive at first. She said girls in her community often have limited opportunities but her brother encouraged her and convinced their parents to let her join the expedition.

Before attempting Khushal Gang she practiced on the hills around Quetta. However she had little experience with technical climbing.

During the expedition she used professional climbing equipment for the first time and faced harsh weather conditions.

The toughest part of  the climb came at around 3 a.m. during the final push to the summit when she had to climb a steep wall of snow.

Feeling exhausted she almost decided to turn back. Her guide encouraged her by reminding her that she could become the first girl from Balochistan to reach the summit.  Inspired by those words she continued climbing and successfully reached the top.

Malika said she hopes to keep climbing more mountains represent Pakistan proudly and encourage other girls to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.