Abdul Joshi and Saad Munawar, two Pakistani mountaineers, recently accomplished a remarkable feat by conquering Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside of Asia, standing proudly at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) above sea level.
Their successful ascent to the summit of Mount Aconcagua on February 7 marked a significant milestone in their mountaineering careers. Speaking to Hum News English via Whatsapp, the duo confirmed their triumph, sharing their joy and sense of accomplishment.
Abdul Joshi, known fondly as the “Path Finder” in the mountaineering community, took a moment to pay homage to the volunteers of Shimshal, a gesture deeply rooted in personal significance.
He dedicated their climb to these volunteers, particularly honoring his three brothers, Ghulam Murtaza, Karim Uddin, and Javed Rahim, who tragically lost their lives while serving the community on a road project in Shimshal Pamir just a month prior.
Joshi expressed profound gratitude for their sacrifice, stating, “I dedicate my recent summit of Aconcagua to the volunteers of Shimshal. Especially my 3 heroic brothers who embraced martyrdom while serving the community.”
Abdul Joshi’s mountaineering journey is nothing short of inspiring. From humble beginnings as a high-altitude porter and helper on expeditions in Pakistan, he has risen to become a trailblazer, renowned for his extraordinary ability to chart new, unexplored routes.
His list of achievements includes being the first climber globally to summit the main peak of Passu Cones, a 6,160-meter (20,210 ft) pinnacle in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, an accomplishment he achieved on August 14, 2021, which further solidified his reputation as a pioneer in the field.
Beyond his climbing endeavors, Abdul Joshi is deeply committed to community service, a commitment that has seen him involved in several high-altitude rescue operations. One notable instance occurred in June 2019 when he led a successful rescue mission on Rakaposhi, saving three stranded climbers, including two Czech nationals, who were climbing without permits.
Reflecting on his achievements, Joshi shared a profound sentiment on social media, emphasizing, “The achievement of summiting a mountain is much smaller than the achievement of serving the community.”
Saad Munawar, Joshi’s climbing companion, brings his own wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Having summited around 10 different mountains across diverse continents, including Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro and Europe’s Mount Elbrus, Munawar is not only a seasoned mountaineer but also a respected author. His two mountain travelogues, “Chogori” and “Rakaposhi k Saye Mein,” offer readers a glimpse into his adventures and reflections on mountain exploration.
The successful summiting of Mount Aconcagua by Abdul Joshi and Saad Munawar serves as a testament to their unwavering determination, skill, and resilience in the face of adversity. Their achievement not only adds to their personal accolades but also inspires countless others to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges with courage and perseverance.
