Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) Launches Second Women-Only Khosar Gang Expedition to Promote Female Mountaineers

Islamabad: The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has unveiled its second women-only mountaineering expedition, selecting Khosar Gang, a 6,040-metre peak in Baltistan’s Shigar Valley, as the next challenge for a team of female climbers from across the country.

According to Beyond Time News, the initiative is designed to expand opportunities for women in mountaineering, strengthen outdoor leadership skills, and encourage broader participation in adventure sports.

The expedition marks another milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to increase female representation in high-altitude climbing and outdoor exploration.

Building on the Success of Pakistan’s First All-Women Expedition

The announcement comes after the successful completion of ACP’s first women-only expedition to Bari La, which was organized as part of the club’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

That expedition brought together climbers from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The achievement gained recognition both within Pakistan and internationally, highlighting the growing role of women in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Encouraged by that success, ACP selected Khosar Gang as the next destination to provide participants with a more challenging high-altitude mountaineering experience.

Khosar Gang: A Prominent Peak in the Karakoram Range

Located in the scenic Shigar Valley of Baltistan, Khosar Gang rises to 6,040 metres and is regarded as one of the notable trekking and climbing peaks in the Karakoram region.

The mountain offers climbers an opportunity to develop technical skills while experiencing some of Pakistan’s most spectacular landscapes.

According to Beyond Time News, the expedition aims to equip participants with practical experience in high-altitude environments, helping prepare a new generation of female mountaineers for future challenges.

Transparent Selection Process Led by Naila Kiani

ACP said participants were selected through a competitive and transparent process overseen by a committee of experienced women climbers.

The selection panel was led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani, who has gained international recognition for her achievements on some of the world’s highest peaks.

The selected climbers represent different regions of Pakistan, reflecting the club’s commitment to inclusion and national representation.

The expedition team includes:

• Zeba Batool (Gilgit-Baltistan)
• Bibi Afzoon (Gilgit-Baltistan)
• Ammara Sharif (Islamabad Capital Territory)
• Asma Bashir Bangash (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
• Bisma Hassan (Punjab)
• Sadia Maqbool (Punjab)
• Natasha Fateh Muhammad (Sindh)
• Bibi Malka (Balochistan)
• Laiba Shakeel (Azad Jammu and Kashmir)

Empowering Women Through Adventure Sports

Mountain climbing has increasingly become a platform for empowering women, building confidence, and developing leadership abilities.

ACP officials said the expedition seeks to encourage more women to participate in outdoor activities while challenging traditional barriers that have limited female involvement in adventure sports.

The initiative also supports broader efforts to showcase Pakistan’s growing community of women climbers, trekkers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Experts believe such programs can inspire young women to pursue careers and opportunities in sports, tourism, environmental conservation, and outdoor leadership.

Expedition Scheduled for July Departure

According to Beyond Time News, the team is expected to depart from Skardu during the first week of July.

ACP will manage all operational arrangements, including logistics, coordination, safety planning, and expedition support.

The club has reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities for young Pakistanis to explore the country’s mountain regions while promoting safe and responsible mountaineering practices.

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Focus on Environmental Conservation

Alongside its adventure initiatives, ACP continues to emphasize environmental protection in Pakistan’s mountain regions.

The organization announced plans to organize the K2 Baltoro Cleanup Expedition 2026 later this year. The initiative will focus on removing waste from trekking routes, protecting fragile ecosystems, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Environmental experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of preserving mountain landscapes as visitor numbers continue to increase across northern Pakistan.

ACP says responsible tourism and conservation efforts are essential to ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the country’s natural heritage.

Why This Initiative Matters

Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including several peaks above 8,000 metres. Expanding women’s participation in mountaineering helps strengthen the country’s adventure tourism sector while promoting gender inclusion in outdoor sports.

The Khosar Gang expedition also demonstrates the growing confidence and capabilities of Pakistani women in challenging environments.

As more women take part in mountaineering activities, initiatives like this can help create role models for future generations and encourage broader participation in sports and leadership programs.

Conclusion

The Alpine Club of Pakistan’s second women-only expedition represents another important step toward promoting gender inclusion in mountaineering and adventure tourism. By providing women with access to high-altitude climbing opportunities, the initiative aims to develop skills, leadership, and confidence while showcasing Pakistan’s spectacular mountain landscape.

With preparations underway for the July departure, the Khosar Gang expedition is expected to further strengthen the presence of women in Pakistan’s growing mountaineering community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACP women-only Khosar Gang expedition?

It is the Alpine Club of Pakistan’s second all-women mountaineering expedition aimed at climbing Khosar Gang, a 6,040-metre peak in Baltistan.

Where is Khosar Gang located?

Khosar Gang is located in the Shigar Valley of Baltistan within Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range.

Who selected the participants for the expedition?

The participants were chosen through a transparent selection process led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani and a committee of experienced female climbers.

When will the expedition begin?

The team is scheduled to depart from Skardu during the first week of July.

Why is the expedition important?

The initiative promotes women’s participation in mountaineering, develops leadership skills, and supports gender inclusion in adventure sports across Pakistan.

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