Climate Shifts Turn Karakoram Summits Deadly, Climbers Return Empty Handed
FROM GILGIT-BALTISTAN
This summer, the towering peaks of the Karakoram range became unusually dangerous for mountaineers, as climate change fueled rising avalanches, rockfalls, and rapidly melting glaciers. Veteran climbers and local guides warn that the once majestic snow clad giants are now alarmingly unstable, forcing many expeditions to retreat without achieving their goals.
Peaks Grow More challenging and Rockfalls Intensify it’s peak
Dangerous Season for Mountaineers
The Karakoram’s iconic peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum-II, turned into treacherous grounds this climbing season. With shrinking snow cover and soaring temperatures, avalanches and rockfalls have become more frequent sometimes several times a day.
Baqir Ali, a seasoned mountain guide from Shigar’s Askole village with over four decades of experience, admitted he had never seen such conditions. He was part of German Olympian Laura Dahlmeier’s team, who tragically lost her life on July 28 after being struck by falling rocks on Laila Peak (6,096m). Despite warnings, Dahlmeier pressed on in alpine style before the accident claimed her life at 5,700m.
Climbers Forced to Abandon Expeditions
Hungarian climber László Csomor called off his Broad Peak expedition (8,050m) after more than a month at base camp. He described hearing up to 10 avalanches and rockfalls daily, with conditions worsened by minimal snow cover.
More than 200 climbers who came to Pakistan for the summer season were forced to abandon their attempts, including over 90 at K2 base camp and around 30 at Broad Peak. Notably, two deadly accidents shook the climbing community this season:
- July 11: Polish climber Waldemar Kowalewski fractured his leg in a Broad Peak avalanche.
- July 19: Porter Iftikhar Sadpara lost his life in an avalanche at K2’s Camp 1.
In total, at least three lives were lost and five injuries reported during this hazardous season.
New Challenges Triggered by Climate Change
Climbers say the Karakoram conditions are unprecedented. With unstable snow, expanding crevasses, and violent high winds, the risk of disaster grew sharply.
Renowned climber Mingma G of Imagine Nepal also abandoned his Gasherbrum-II attempt due to avalanche threats. Traditionally, the season runs from late June to mid-August, but this year climbers were unable to push beyond Camp 3 on K2.
Despite challenges, there were limited successes:
- Around 22 climbers, including five Pakistanis, summited Gasherbrum-I (8,080m) on July 20–22.
- 24 climbers scaled Nanga Parbat (8,126m), with Russian mountaineer Denis Urubko and wife Maria Cardell even opening a new alpine route.
Yet, Urubko described the situation as “distressing,” warning that fast-melting glaciers, growing crevasses, and constant rockfalls are making classic climbing routes more dangerous than ever.
Experts Link Risks to Global Warming
According to a senior government expert, shifting snowfall patterns and June–July heatwaves left snow unable to convert into stable ice, triggering avalanches. These conditions, he noted, are tied directly to global warming and climate change.
Livelihoods at Stake
The danger does not only threaten climbers but also thousands in Gilgit-Baltistan who rely on adventure tourism.
Out of 400 climbing applications, just over 200 climbers actually arrived this year a sharp 50% decline compared to last season. Locals, including porters, guides, transporters, hotel owners, and shopkeepers, are deeply concerned.
Fida Hussain, a high-altitude porter from Shigar, warned that if adventure tourism continues to shrink, countless families depending on the industry will lose their only source of income.
A Distressing Season Ends
As the climbing season closes, the once-celebrated peaks of the Karakoram stand mostly unconquered, leaving climbers disappointed and locals fearful for the future. Experts caution that unless climate change is addressed, Pakistan’s crown jewels of mountaineering may become far too perilous to scale in the years ahead
