From Everest to K2: the mountaineering story of seven-summit climber Wasfia Nazreen
Mountaineering is a hard test of physical ability, mental strength and training. Climbers reach summits by overcoming rugged trails, hostile weather, low oxygen and the risk of death. Wasfia Nazreen is one of Bangladesh's best-known mountaineers, and she has carried the country's flag to several of the world's highest peaks.
Tuesday (27 October) was her birthday. Wasfia Nazreen was born in Dhaka on 27 October 1982. She went to the United States for higher education and later worked on human rights, social service and people's rights. Her interest in nature drew her into mountaineering.
Mountaineering demands rigorous training, physical fitness, mental preparation and an awareness of safety. Alongside personal success, Wasfia set herself the goal of raising Bangladesh's flag in the arena of international mountaineering.
In May 2012, Wasfia Nazreen climbed Mount Everest. She reached the summit on 26 May, becoming the second Bangladeshi woman to conquer Everest. She carried the flag of Bangladesh to the peak, which stands 8,848.86 metres high.
In 2011, marking the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, Wasfia began her 'Bangladesh on Seven Summits' expedition. The goal was to climb the highest peaks of all seven continents. Through the expedition she wanted to highlight Bangladesh's history, women's participation and the potential of mountaineering.
Each of the seven summits has its own environment and risks. Snowstorms in some places, ice crevasses in others, and low oxygen elsewhere were the main challenges.
In November 2015, by climbing Carstensz Pyramid, she completed the expedition to conquer the seven highest peaks of the seven continents. She achieved the feat as the first Bangladeshi and the first Bengali.
On 22 July 2022, Wasfia Nazreen climbed K2, the world's second-highest peak. It was the first K2 ascent by any Bangladeshi.
K2 is known for its height, rugged terrain and difficult climbing route. On this expedition, experience, caution and the ability to make quick decisions mattered alongside physical fitness. Wasfia's success is another notable addition to the history of mountaineering in Bangladesh.
Beyond mountaineering, Wasfia Nazreen has also worked on human rights, environmental conservation and women's empowerment. Her speeches and activities have emphasised living responsibly alongside nature.
Her success in mountaineering is also significant for women's participation. She has shown that with proper training, opportunity and preparation, women too can take part in difficult and risky expeditions.
Her work has received international recognition. National Geographic honoured her as its 'Adventurer of the Year' for 2014–15. In 2016 she was selected as one of the organisation's 'Emerging Explorers'.
Wasfia Nazreen's mountaineering achievements hold an important place in Bangladesh's history of sport and adventure. Through Everest, the seven highest peaks of the seven continents and K2, she has raised Bangladesh's profile internationally. Her life shows that success in mountaineering requires long preparation, discipline, risk assessment and mental firmness alongside the dream itself.
