Everest pioneer Nadhira Al Harthy, the first Omani woman to summit the world’s highest peak, died in a Broad Peak avalanche, leaving behind an inspiring mountaineering legacy.
WEBDESK – ABDULLAH FARHAD – SHARJAH NEWS
Avalanche Claims Life of Omani Mountaineering Pioneer
Oman is mourning the loss of Nadhira Al Harthy, the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, after she was killed in an avalanche on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan.
The fatal accident occurred on Thursday when an avalanche struck Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, standing at 8,047 meters. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Al Harthy died alongside experienced Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung, widely known as “Yukta.”
The tragedy unfolded as rescue teams continued searching for several climbers reported missing on the mountain, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
A Historic Journey to Everest
Al Harthy made history in 2019 by becoming the first Omani woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, fulfilling a dream that followed years of intensive physical training, altitude preparation and mountaineering experience.
Her interest in climbing began in 2015 during a work-related visit to Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. Inspired by the late Khalid Al Siyabi, the first Omani to climb Everest, she dedicated herself to high-altitude mountaineering.
Her Everest success became a landmark achievement for Oman and established her as one of the Arab world’s leading female climbers.
An Extraordinary Climbing Career
Following her Everest triumph, Al Harthy continued pushing the limits of adventure.
She became the first Omani climber to conquer K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, and successfully completed expeditions to several of the Himalayas’ most challenging peaks, including Manaslu, Nanga Parbat and Ama Dablam.
Her achievements earned international respect and inspired a new generation of climbers across the Gulf region.
Public Servant and Inspiration
Away from mountaineering, Al Harthy built a distinguished career in public service.
Holding a master’s degree in geography, she served as Director of the Citizenship Department at Oman’s Ministry of Education, balancing her professional responsibilities with her passion for exploration.
Following her Everest expedition, she described the achievement as a victory for the entire nation, saying she was proud to raise Oman’s flag on the world’s highest mountain.
Her determination encouraged many young Omanis, especially women, to pursue adventure sports and challenge traditional barriers.
Nation Pays Tribute
Al Harthy’s accomplishments were recognized with numerous honors, including The Arabian Stories Changemaker Award in 2024 for inspiring future generations and promoting Oman through her achievements.
Tributes have poured in from across Oman and the international climbing community, remembering her as a fearless adventurer whose courage, perseverance and pioneering spirit transformed Omani mountaineering.
Her remarkable legacy will continue to inspire aspiring climbers and adventurers long after her historic achievements.
