After years of guiding tourists in Pakistan, I did a climb of my own — at the Alps
When I decided to go mountain climbing in the Alps in December last year, I knew it was a big step.
I have been climbing peaks in Pakistan for the past 10 years as part of my job as a mountain guide in Hunza's Shimshaal Valley. My passion led me to start my own trekking company in Islamabad, Climax Adventure Pakistan, which has inspired others to live their dream. And finally, my own dream came true when I went climbing in Europe after years of saving money.
I always wondered how it would feel to be a tourist in another country. I am always on the opposite side, guiding tourists across the mountains of Pakistan. At the Alps, I got to experience climbing from a different vantage point.
Although you don’t need a special permit for the climb, the visa for travelling to France wasn’t easy to get. But I was fortunate enough to have a friend in France who helped me out with the process.
Even before I had reached, I knew that climbing these famous peaks would be a thrilling and fun experience. The prospect of becoming the first Pakistani to climb the Tour Ronde (3,792 m), located on the border between France and Italy, and Petite Aiguille Verte (3,512 m), located in France, heightened my excitement.