Skardu, July 14, 2025 — In a breathtaking display of strength and endurance, a Russian couple has made history by successfully summiting Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s second-highest peak, without the use of supplemental oxygen.
The duo, identified as Andrey and Elena Ivanov, reached the 8,126-meter (26,660 ft) summit early Sunday morning after a grueling multi-day ascent through some of the world’s most dangerous terrain.
🌬️ A Climb Against All Odds
What makes their achievement extraordinary is that they completed the entire expedition without bottled oxygen, a method used by only the most elite and experienced mountaineers.
Nanga Parbat, ominously nicknamed “The Killer Mountain,” has claimed dozens of lives over the decades and is considered one of the most difficult climbs on Earth due to its steep faces, extreme weather, and high fatality rate.
🧗♀️ A Powerful Partnership
According to base camp officials, the couple began their final push toward the summit from Camp 4 late Saturday night. Battling freezing winds and low oxygen levels, they reached the top just after dawn.
“This is not just a climbing milestone, it’s a story of partnership, trust, and raw human willpower,” said one of the local expedition managers.
🇵🇰 Applause from Pakistan
The climbing community in Pakistan and beyond has praised the couple’s courage and discipline. The Alpine Club of Pakistan is expected to formally recognize their ascent, calling it a “rare and admirable achievement.”
Local guides and porters who supported the mission say the couple was humble, respectful, and deeply passionate about Pakistani mountains.
🌍 About Nanga Parbat
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Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
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Height: 8,126 meters
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Rank: 9th highest mountain in the world
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Known For: Technical difficulty and high fatality rate
