Qatari mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani has reached another extraordinary milestone, successfully summiting Gasherbrum II, bringing her total to 11 of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 metres. The achievement was highlighted by Team Qatar on August 9, 2026, as a major moment for Qatari and Arab women.
Gasherbrum II is located in the Karakoram mountain range on the Pakistan-China border. With this latest summit, Sheikha Asma is now just three peaks away from completing all 14 eight-thousanders, one of mountaineering’s most demanding challenges.
Sheikha Asma Al Thani’s 11th 8,000er
The latest climb adds Gasherbrum II to Sheikha Asma’s growing list of eight-thousanders. Her previous achievements include major peaks such as Everest, K2, Makalu and Nanga Parbat. In July 2025, her ascent of Nanga Parbat brought her total to nine 8,000-metre peaks at the time.
Her journey has since continued at some of the world’s most challenging high-altitude mountains.
What Makes the 8,000-Metre Peaks So Dangerous?
The world’s 14 eight-thousanders all rise above 8,000 metres. Their upper sections extend into the area commonly known as the Death Zone, where oxygen levels are critically low and climbers face extreme weather, freezing temperatures and severe physical demands.
QNA described the achievement as another milestone in Sheikha Asma’s extraordinary journey towards completing the world’s highest peaks.
Only 3 Peaks Left
With 11 of 14 eight-thousanders now completed, Sheikha Asma is getting closer to her goal of climbing all 14.
Her expeditions are also connected to her Beyond Boundaries journey, which aims to inspire women and young people across the region to challenge limits and pursue ambitious goals.
For Qatar, the achievement represents more than another summit. It places a Qatari woman among an exceptionally small group of elite high-altitude mountaineers and gives a powerful new meaning to the idea of going beyond boundaries.
Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA), Team Qatar.
