Pakistan’s Ahmed & Anum became The First Husband-Wife Duo to Summit Nepal’s Mount Manaslu

GILGIT: Pakistan’s Ahmed Uzair and Anum Uzair became the first husband-wife duo from the South Asian country to summit Nepal’s towering Mount Manaslu, Nepalese commercial adventure operator Seven Summit Treks confirmed on Sunday. 

Ahmed and Anum Uzair, both parents to two children, summited the mountain on Sunday, Seven Summit Treks wrote on social media platform X. 

“Congratulations to Ahmed and Anum Uzair who successfully climbed the eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8163m), this morning,” the company wrote. 

“They are the first Pakistani couple to achieve (climb 8,000m peak) this feat.”

Others who climbed alongside the Pakistani couple include:

Pasang Sherpa
Pasang Dukpa Sherpa
Pastenji Sherpa

Pakistan’s Shehroze Kashif, who recently made history by summiting both Everest and K2 congradulated the couple on Social Media Platform X

What is Mount Manaslu?

Mount Manaslu is one of the world’s highest peaks and holds significance in the realm of mountaineering, culture, and geography.

1. Overview: Mount Manaslu is located in the west-central part of Nepal and stands tall at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft) above sea level. It is the eighth highest mountain in the world. The name “Manaslu” derives from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” which means “Mountain of the Spirit.”

2. Climbing History: Manaslu has attracted climbers from all over the world. The first successful ascent of Mount Manaslu was made by a Japanese expedition team led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu in 1956. Since then, many climbers have challenged its peaks, and it has also become a favorite among mountaineers as a precursor to attempting Mount Everest, due to some similarities in climbing conditions.

3. Geographical Significance: Mount Manaslu is part of the Mansiri Himal range in the Nepalese Himalayas. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers provide feasible approaches from all directions, leading to the convergence of multiple routes.

4. Trekking and the Circuit: In recent times, the Manaslu region has become increasingly popular for trekking. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experience. It provides trekkers with an opportunity to navigate around the majestic peak and explore the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures that reside in this region. This trek is considered slightly off-the-beaten-path compared to more well-trodden treks in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp.

5. Cultural and Religious Significance: The region surrounding Mount Manaslu is home to Tibetan Buddhist communities. Monasteries, mani walls (stone walls inscribed with prayers), and chortens (Buddhist shrines) dot the landscape, reflecting the spiritual significance of the region.

6. Biodiversity: The Manaslu Conservation Area, established in 1998, surrounds the mountain and serves to protect the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region. It spans over 1,600 square kilometers and houses numerous flora and fauna, some of which are endangered.

Can7. Challenges and Risks: While the beauty of Manaslu is unparalleled, it is essential to understand that it’s a formidable peak to climb. It has a reputation for being prone to avalanches and challenging weather conditions. Proper acclimatization, a well-experienced team, and sound decision-making are crucial for a successful and safe ascent.