Chitral Local mountaineering group summited Thalo Zom

Shabdaraz: First Chitrali Adventure Club Summited Thalo Zom (6,050M)

On the crisp morning of July 29th at 9:00 AM, a new chapter in Pakistan’s mountaineering history was written. Shabdaraz, a passionate group of local climbers from Chitral, became the first-ever adventure club from the region to successfully summit Thalo Zom a towering 6,050-meter peak in the highlands of northern Pakistan.

The Climb That Made History

Thalo Zom is one of the most formidable and least-explored peaks in the mountainous terrain near the Chitral–Swat border. The peak stands as a symbol of both challenge and beauty, rising above the glaciers and alpine valleys of Upper and Lower Chitral.

Navigating harsh glacial terrain, crevassed ice fields, and steep, technical slopes, the Shabdaraz team battled their way to the top in an expedition that tested both their skills and their spirit.

Meet the Summit Team

Each member of the team brought local knowledge, resilience, and deep-rooted passion for their homeland’s mountains:

Mueez Uddin (Lead Climber)

Akmal Naveed (Mulkhow, Upper Chitral)

Mudassir Wali (Mastuj, Upper Chitral)

Owais Ahmad (Danin, Lower Chitral)

Athar Azeem (Kari, Lower Chitral)

Nasir Zeb (Danin, Lower Chitral)

Adil Zaman (Balach, Lower Chitral)

Burhan Uddin (Seenlasht, Lower Chitral)

Sher Khan (Mastuj, Upper Chitral)

This remarkable ascent highlights the potential of homegrown talent in a field often dominated by international expeditions. Their accomplishment not only proves their individual grit but also showcases the immense unexplored opportunity in Pakistan’s northern ranges.

Why Thalo Zom Matters

Thalo Zom is often overshadowed by the higher peaks of northern Pakistan like Tirich Mir, but it holds its own significance:

Elevation: 6,050 meters (19,849 feet)

Location: Chitral–Swat border, accessible via Kumrat Valley

Climbing Challenge: Glaciated approaches, steep ice faces, unpredictable weather

This successful summit marks a turning point for local mountaineering, paving the way for eco-conscious adventure tourism, youth empowerment, and deeper recognition of Chitral’s untapped adventure potential.

The Road Ahead

With this climb, Shabdaraz has done more than conquer a peak. They have opened doors:

For future local-led expeditions in remote mountain regions

For developing Chitral as an adventure tourism hub

For global adventurers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences

This is just the beginning. The Himalayas may be crowded, but the peaks of Chitral remain wild, raw, and waiting and now, the locals are leading the way.

Stay tuned for exclusive photos and videos from the summit, and follow Shabdaraz as they continue to chart new alpine frontiers.