Day 1

Gasherbrum base camp to Broad Peak base camp

We started our trek to Broad Peak Base Camp around 8 AM, having just arrived the night before from Camp 2 on Gasherbrum I. Exhausted and with most of our gear still wet, Kili and I were the only ones heading over to Broad Peak, where we would meet Mingma G, Pasang, our cook Hussein, and the Broad Peak liaison officer. We bid farewell to Pemba, Daddy, and Ang Du, who were trekking directly from Gasherbrum Base Camp back to Askole. Since we would be joining the team at Broad Peak, we only needed to carry our personal equipment.

August 4^th

Trek to BC

Time: 9 hours

Distance: 12 miles (guestimate based on adding individual distances)

The trek proved to be exhausting, especially since Kili and I had been climbing for five long days without a rest day. Many climbers choose to take two days for this journey, but we opted to tackle it in one day, as the weather looked favorable for starting our ascent of Broad Peak the following day. There is no defined trail; instead, we walked on a glacier, navigating loose rocks and uneven terrain with constant ups and downs. We even tried to see if we could buy Coca-Cola at one of the army camps near Concordia, but with most people having gone home for the season, there were no drinks available.

Upon arriving at Broad Peak Base Camp, we were warmly greeted by Mingma G and Hussein. It was a relief to see their smiling faces, especially since the camp felt almost deserted, apart from a Pakistani cleanup team working to take trash down the valley. Hussein had managed to secure a chicken and prepared it for us, which provided the much-needed protein that we had run out of at Gasherbrum Base Camp. This hearty meal was a welcome boost after our exhausting trek, lifting our spirits and replenishing our energy just as we needed it.

Support Ascend Leadership Through Athletics

I am raising money for Ascend. After years of climbing some of the world’s highest peaks, I believe it’s crucial to support the communities living in the shadows of these mountains. During my travels and climbs in Pakistan in the summer of 2023, I was disheartened by the lack of Pakistani mountain guides, particularly women. Observing this situation ignited a heartfelt desire within me to empower young women in these areas. That’s why I’m teaming up with Ascend Athletics.

Ascend Athletics is an international nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women through mountaineering-based leadership training and community service. Their mission deeply resonates with my own dedication to fostering female strength and resilience.