Shimshal Village Skiers

Niamat Karim (27) and his younger brother Mansoor Karim (15) belong to Shimshal, Gojal - one of the beautiful  valleys  of Gilgit-Baltistan. A mountaineer by profession for the last 13 years. They are probably the only duo  interested in slope skiing in Pakistan - which is one of the most fascinating yet dangerous sports around the world. 

 

Nature has bestowed Pakistan with the highest peaks and mountains which remain covered with snow throughout the year. Skiing in Pakistan is an old sport but Alpine skiing (mountain skiing) is a new chapter introduced to the history of sports of Pakistan. No one in Pakistan has undertaken this endeavour before and the brothers are the first to introduce it. 

Mansoor Karim who is only 15 availed the opportunity and became the fortunate ones. It is not easy to ski from 6000 meters height. It requires sophisticated equipments and training. Such expeditions require clear weather and good health. 

 

ACcoridng to the brothers they started the seven days expedition on July 10^th, 2013 and attempted for the first peak QuzSar which is 6000 meters high and took three hours to the summit, stayed on the top for an hour due to the worsening weather. It was snowing. It took them 15 minutes to ski down to camp. 

On 12^th of July they attempted for Mingling Sar which is 6050 meters high. It took 6 hours to reach the summit and ski down at the advance base camp in seventeen minutes. After two days rest they again started another  expedition on 15^th July. This time it was an unclimbed peak which is 6000 meters high. We reached the summit in 3 hours and stayed there for 15 minutes and descended in 10 minutes. 

Mansoor who is just 15 years old has become the youngest Pakistani ever to successfully attempt Alpine skiing. He started his career as a professional skier in 2008 and has attended various trainings in Shimshal.

According to the author, they want to promote skiing especially Alpine skiing (Mountain Ski) as a sport in Pakistan and expect the government’s support in this regard. Pakistan can become the hot spot for Alpine Skiing and side country ski sports and this will promote tourism and mountain adventure sports.They are keen that other youngsters join hands with them...

Source