Sajid Sadpara reaches ninth 8,000m peak without supplemental oxygen

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani climber Sajid Ali Sadpara successfully summited the world’s seventh-highest mountain, Dhaulagiri, on Saturday, without the use of supplemental oxygen or the help of porters.

The achievement marks his ninth ascent of a peak above 8,000 metres, all of which he has completed unassisted. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed his latest achievement, highlighting his consistent style of mountaineering without artificial aid.

Leading a four-member Pakistani team, Sadpara began the expedition in Nepal on May 4, which reached base camp on April 6. After completing an acclimatization rotation to Camp 3, the team – supported by Seven Summit Treks Nepal and Subroso Pakistan – roped up to 8,050 metres.

The summit push began at 6:15 pm from Camp IV. Friday, with more than 350 meters of rope along the final stretch. The team reached the summit at 9:35 am on Saturday. Seven Summit Treks confirmed this as the first successful ascent of Dhaulagiri for the spring of 2025.

Alpine Club of Pakistan Secretary Karar Haideri called the achievement a “historic moment” for the nation, saying, “Sajid’s strength and determination at just 29 years of age is a true testament to Pakistan’s mountaineering prowess.” The climb, aided by Kailas gear, reflects Sadpara’s growing international reputation.

Sajid is the son of the late mountaineer Muhammad Ali Sadpara, who died on K2 in 2021. Sajid has previously summited major peaks including Everest, K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II – notably both Gasherbrum peaks in less than four days.