Pakistan’s US-based woman climber Zenab Mansoor, who successfully attempted Mount Everest last month, aimed to ascending Seven Summits, the seven highest peaks in seven continents.
“I’ve the incredible fortune to climb the highest peaks in five continents. These include Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Denali in North America, Vinson in Antarctica and Everest in Asia. I am hoping to complete the list with Aconcagua in South America and Carstenz Pyramid in Oceania/Australia by the end of this year or early 2024”, Zenab was quoted as saying in APP.
A pediatric ICU physician, Zenab moved to USA in 2008 to pursue her career in medicine. Currently, she resides in Seattle, Washington.
On May 17, she reached atop Everest (8,849-metre), the world’s highest peak, located in Nepal.
“That was an incredible moment for me as I got to raise my country’s flag on the highest point on the planet.
“My journey to the top of the world was achieved that day but my love for climbing began in my childhood, as I had always felt a sense of awe and wonder when visiting the northern areas of Pakistan and dreamt of scaling high peaks of the world.
“That childhood dream was shelved for many years as I pursued a very demanding career in medicine.
“Then in 2013, I heard about Pakistani woman mountaineer, Samina Baig, who had summited Everest and thus, become the first ever Pakistani female to do so. Her trailblazing achievement reignited the fire in me and she has been a source of inspiration ever since,” she added.
However, it took several more years to Zenab to start realizing her dream. “In December 2016, a devastating family tragedy left me feeling heartbroken and despondent,” Zenab said while referring to a PIA plane crash, near Havelian area of Abbottabad wherein she lost her younger brother, the 26-year-old co-pilot Ahmed Mansoor Janjua. All 47 people on board had died in the incident.
“To help me cope with the grief, I decided to take a trip to Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro became my first climb. At 5,895 meters, it is the highest point in Africa.
It was a grueling climb, but watching the sunrise over the clouds from the top of the mountain was a site I will not forget. The feeling of reaching the summit was indescribable, and it fueled my desire to climb higher and more challenging peaks,” she said.
Zenab said she was planning to continue her passion and inspire other Pakistani females to climb as well. You don’t have to be a professional mountaineer to pursue this beautiful sport.
In the years to come, it is my hope that this sport will be more accessible. I would love the opportunity to inspire and work with aspiring Pakistani female climbers,” she added.
