Avalanche risk, bad weather disrupt climbing season in Gilgit-Baltistan

Climate change has brought about unfavorable weather patterns in Gilgit-Baltistan's Karakoram Range, making climbing conditions increasingly difficult. No climber summited K2 or Gasherbrum-I this summer, and around 40 foreign climbers failed to reach the summits of Gasherbrum-II, Broad Peak, and Nanga Parbat. Persistent storms, heavy snowfall, unstable snow conditions, and an exceptionally high avalanche risk posed significant challenges for mountaineers.

Expedition teams often spent weeks at base camps preparing for their summit pushes, but bad weather, avalanches, rockfalls, strong winds, and unpredictable conditions hindered their efforts over the past two years. The climbing season typically runs from late July to mid-August, but shifting weather patterns have made it difficult for mountaineers to plan their attempts.

In the past two years, more than 200 climbers attempted to summit K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-II, and Gasherbrum-I, with only a few successful summits. The tragedy at Broad Peak on July 30, where 10 foreign climbers, including a Pakistani climber, lost their lives in a snow avalanche, led many climbers to abandon their missions and join the search and rescue operation.

Climate change has altered conditions in the Karakoram, making the environment increasingly uncertain and even more dangerous.