Oman is mourning the loss of pioneering mountaineer Nadhira Al Harthy after her body was returned to the Sultanate on Sunday, days after she was killed in an avalanche while climbing Broad Peak in northern Pakistan.
Al Harthy was among a 10-member international expedition caught in the avalanche in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region while attempting to scale Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain at 8,047 metres. Her death, along with Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung, was confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan, while several members of the expedition remain missing.
Her remains were recovered following a difficult search and rescue operation and transported to Skardu before being repatriated to Oman. Logistics company TRANSOM paid tribute as her body arrived home, describing her legacy as one defined by kindness, compassion and the lives she touched.
Al Harthy made history in 2019 by becoming the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, placing the national flag on the world’s highest peak. She later climbed several of the world’s most challenging mountains, including K2, Manaslu and Nanga Parbat, and became the first Arab woman to reach the summit of Nepal’s Ama Dablam. Earlier in her career, she also conquered Mount Kilimanjaro.
Beyond mountaineering, Al Harthy served as chairperson of the Oman-Nepal Friendship Association, where she worked to strengthen humanitarian and cultural ties between the two countries.
Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from government institutions, diplomats, athletes and members of the public. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had worked closely with Pakistani authorities to complete the repatriation process, while the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth described her as one of Oman’s most inspiring national figures.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority also honoured her commitment to promoting safety during mountaineering expeditions, while senior officials and public figures praised her determination, courage and lasting contribution to Oman.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Naveed Safdar Bokhari, described Al Harthy as a legendary mountaineer whose achievements inspired millions, extending condolences to her family and the Omani people.
Widely regarded as a symbol of perseverance and national pride, Al Harthy leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond mountaineering, inspiring generations of Omanis to pursue ambitious goals while representing their country on the global stage.
