SHIGAR: In a significant development, three women from Karachi have become the first to traverse the 5,150-metre Skore La Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, completing the challenging trek within five days. The expedition was led by local mountaineer Mohammad Ali Shighri, who also arranged the entire journey.
The team included Paras Ali, a renowned trekker from Karachi, along with Nida Fatima and Amna Sattar, both housewives with a strong passion for trekking. This route had remained unexplored for two decades, despite its historical use by ancestors for trade between regions.
Shighri noted that he had been encouraging Paras Ali to attempt this route for some time. This year, she expressed interest, and the necessary arrangements were made to facilitate the expedition. Notably, the team incorporated local porters and engaged the community to ensure they benefited from the tourism generated by the trek.
After crossing the Skore La Pass, the group successfully reached Scory Broq and then proceeded to Scory village. Paras Ali explained that the choice of this route was deliberate, as it had not been explored for many years. She frequently treks with female friends and had previously completed the Snow Lake trek via Hispar Pass with Nida and Amna two years prior.
Describing the journey, Paras highlighted the diverse landscapes encountered, including lush greenery, snow-covered areas, and the high mountain pass, making the five-day trek an enjoyable experience. Meanwhile, Nida Fatima emphasized the joy of trekking with friends, calling it a unique and memorable experience. She added that their goal is to explore lesser-known trails to showcase Pakistan’s hidden natural beauty to the world.
Amna Sattar, who experienced mild high-altitude sickness during the trek, shared that she has been inspired by Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s books since childhood. She described the route as both challenging and exciting due to its long period of being untouched.
The women completed the expedition despite facing harsh conditions such as strong winds, storms, and snowstorms. Looking ahead, they have announced plans to undertake more demanding trails in Gilgit-Baltistan in the future, continuing their efforts to chart new paths in the region.
