Qatari mountaineer reaches 11th 8,000-metre summit, reflects on Broad Peak tragedy

In July 2026, Qatari mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani achieved her 11th 8,000-metre summit by reaching the peak of Gasherbrum II in the Karakoram mountain range, straddling the border between Pakistan and China. This accomplishment, which places her among the select few who have successfully conquered all 14 peaks over 8,000 metres worldwide, known as the "Death Zone" due to its extreme conditions and limited oxygen, also prompted reflection on a recent tragedy.

Following her ascent, Sheikha Asma shared on social media that the summit itself did not linger in her memory but rather the events at Camp 1 on Broad Peak. She recounted spending five days in wait for optimal weather conditions before commencing their climb, emphasizing their decision to patiently await favorable weather before embarking on the ascent.

The mountaineer recalled the camaraderie and camaraderie they experienced, gathering each morning outside Mingma Tenzing's tent, their "barista in the Karakoram," to sip coffee, exchange pleasantries, and check the weather forecast. This camaraderie was underscored by their shared commitment to climbing safely and returning home together.

Sheikha Asma also mentioned a poignant exchange with Wang, who had set off for Broad Peak the night before her summit. She shared a message sent to him around 5 am upon their summit, "We summited at 5am and on my way." Unfortunately, after descending towards Base Camp, she learned that contact with the Broad Peak team had been lost, realizing it to be Wang's final communication.