Killer mountain: Czech Climber Klára dies in a fall on Pakistan's notorious peak

Dubai: Celebrated Czech mountaineer Klára Kolouchová, 46, tragically died after falling during an expedition on Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s notorious “Killer Mountain,” officials confirmed on Friday.

According to reports, Kolouchová slipped while descending between Camp I and Camp II, a section known for treacherous conditions, after aborting her summit attempt due to health issues. The fall occurred early Thursday morning as she and a Nepali Sherpa guide were making their way down from Camp IV.

Pakistan Embassy Czech Republic tweeted to offer condolences. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Klara Kolouchova, a Czech climber who had a fatal accident while climbing Nanga Parbat. Klara was a friend of Pakistan who supported mountaineering and efforts to boost 🇵🇰🇨🇿tourism. Our thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved family,” reads the Embassy tweet.

"Her feet slipped from a slope and she fell into a ravine," said Nizamuddin, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pakistan’s Diamer district.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan, which oversees mountaineering expeditions in the region, expressed deep sorrow over her passing. “We are devastated by the loss of Klára Kolouchová, an extraordinary mountaineer who had conquered some of the world's highest peaks,” said the club’s Vice President Karrar Haidri. “She was an inspiration to climbers worldwide.”

International Team

Kolouchová was climbing as part of a multi-national team that included Finnish climber Paula Brigitta Strengell, Spanish mountaineer Jorge Egocheaga Rodriguez, and several other climbers accompanied by six Nepali Sherpas. The group began their summit push from Camp III on Wednesday.

After falling ill at higher altitude, Kolouchová made the decision to descend, but tragedy struck before she could safely reach lower ground.

Her teammates, including her husband, confirmed her death after returning to base camp.

Kolouchová made history as the first Czech woman to summit Mount Everest (2019), K2 (2022), and Kanchenjunga, completing several of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. She also completed the Seven Summits, a coveted achievement in mountaineering, representing the tallest mountain on each continent.

Her expedition on Nanga Parbat, the 9th-highest peak in the world at 8,125 meters,  was part of her quest to climb all fourteen 8,000ers.

Nanga Parbat is known as ‘killer mountain’ in the climbing community due to frequent accidents.

Known as one of the world’s most dangerous climbs, Nanga Parbat has claimed more than 80 lives since 1895. Its south face, the Rupal Face, is the highest mountain face on Earth, rising over 4,600 meters (15,090 feet) in one stretch. The mountain is infamous for sudden avalanches, sheer vertical walls, and brutal weather conditions.

The fatality rate for climbers attempting Nanga Parbat is estimated to be around 22%, making it the third most dangerous of the 8,000-meter peaks.

With inputs from agencies