Broad Peak Summits; Klein Turns Around

Close shots of two Pakistani climbers in bright red dawnsuits, sunglases and caps. — Two of the Pakistani climbers who have opened a new variation route to the summit of Broad Peak. Photo. Karakorum Expeditions

The rope-fixing team from Karakorum Expeditions reached the summit of Broad Peak via a new variation route yesterday at 10 pm Pakistan time.

The team comprised seven local climbers from the Shimshal Valley, led by Ali Mirza, owner of Karakorum Expeditions. Juan Pablo Toro of Argentina climbed with them as well. The team set off from Camp 3 at 2 am on July 19 and summited Broad Peak 20 hours later.

Climbers look tiny as they go up in a line up a big mountain face.

The Pakistani climbers on the upper sections of Broad Peak (their location marked on the image). Photo: Karakorum Expeditions

Summiters were Ahmad Baig, Rizwan Dad, Waqar Ali, Mansoor Karim, Juan Pablo Toro, and Nawaz Ali Khan. Zaman Karim and leader Ali Mirza stopped at the Rocky Summit, a slightly lower point on Broad Peak. “The route is complex but beautiful,” Ahmad Baig said. “We’ve opened a new corridor.”

Klein turns around

David Klein of Hungary attempted to summit after the Pakistani team but turned around at 9:15 pm Pakistan time. His home team noted he had worked hard in difficult conditions in previous days. We are waiting for news from him as soon as he makes it safely back.

His climbing partner, Ian Overton, is in Base Camp. He didn’t join Klein on the summit push. Overton and his wife, Shaya Christensen, are in radio contact with Klein and will update on him as soon as possible.

Upper sections of Broad Peak. Photo: Shaya Christensen

Broad Peak Summits; Klein Turns Around

Klein turns around

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