“We love Pakistan” says Nepal climber delighted by hospitaility and love of Pakistanis
Pakistani officials and people warmly welcomed the team of 10 Nepali climbers at a ceremony in the scenic Gilgit Baltistan region. The Nepal team made history on January 16 by summiting the K2 peak, the second-highest mountain in the world, for the first time in winter.
It takes days to reach the valley from the K2 Base Camp but the 10-member team was flown by a Pakistan Army helicopter to the Shigar Valley, a gateway to the mighty Karakoram range.
Nepal‘s climbers received heroes’ welcome by Pakistanis who brought them cakes, garlands, and traditional caps and coats to celebrate their achievement.
GB Tourism Minister Raja Nasir and other top civil and military officials received the Nepal team who have set a new world record by reaching 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level in chilling January winter.
“We love Pakistan”
“Pakistan is our second home, every time we come here and everybody is so welcoming,” said Nirmal Purja, a member of the mountaineering group. He thanked the people of Pakistan for their hospitality and love. “When we arrived here, honestly my heart was crying to see such a really warm welcome from our family here in Pakistan… We love Pakistan,” he said.
The Nepali climbers also shared the story of the ascent and the exhilarating experience of solidarity and power of positivity.
“The weather conditions were really, really horrendous, the temperature was up to minus 65 degrees Celsius — there were hurricane [strength winds] but 10 climbers from Nepal managed to make it happen” the victorious mountaineer described.
Pakistan is home to five of the eight-thousanders (taller than 8,000 meters) and the second tallest mountain, K2.