Climber from Czech Republic vanishes following a fall during ascent on Nanga Parbat excursion in Pakistan.
In a heart-breaking turn of events, Klara Kolouchova, a globally renowned Czech climber, has tragically lost her life while attempting to summit Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak in the world standing at 8,126 meters.
Kolouchova, a 46-year-old climber, was part of a three-member European team that achieved a rare feat this week by scaling Nanga Parbat via the Rupal face in alpine style. However, her life was tragically cut short during the ascent when she fell between Camp 1 and 2 on Thursday.
The authorities have been alerted, and rescue teams have been dispatched for the recovery efforts. Karrar Haidri, secretary-general of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, confirmed the incident and reported that rescue efforts are underway to locate and retrieve Kolouchova's body from the fall site.
The Rupal face, rising nearly 4,600 meters from base to summit, is considered the world's highest mountain face and among the most technically demanding. Its unforgiving terrain, marked by avalanche risk and exposure to extreme weather, makes it particularly challenging.
David Göttler, a German climber who was part of the team, paraglided down from near the summit in a daring solo descent, taking his joy "to the next level." He described his 12-year pursuit of the Schell route, the steep and rarely successful line up the mountain's massive southern wall, as "worthwhile" after achieving the summit.
Kolouchova was globally recognized as the first Czech woman to summit both Mount Everest and K2. She arrived in Pakistan on June 15, accompanied by her husband and five team members.
The mountaineering community, her family, and friends are being supported during this difficult time. Over 100 climbers and porters have died on the slopes of Nanga Parbat, earning it the nickname "Killer Mountain."
Our thoughts are with Klara Kolouchova's family and friends during this tragic time. May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all those who dare to dream and strive for greatness in the face of adversity.
[1] Alpine Club of Pakistan confirms incident: https://www.alpineclubofpakistan.com/news/alpine-club-of-pakistan-confirms-incident [2] Rescue efforts underway for missing Czech climber: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61649552
The news of the art community mourns the loss of Kolouchova, a renowned climber who recently passed away during her attempt to summit the world's highest mountain face, Nanga Parbat, leaving the sports world stunned.
