SHADARAZ, CHITRAL:
A team of nine young mountaineers from Chitral have successfully summited Thalo Zom (6,050 meters) in the Hindu Raj range, marking the first-ever local expedition to complete this challenging alpine climb. The summit was reached at 9:20 AM on July 29, 2025, with all members returning safely and in good health.
The expedition was carried out in true alpine style—without fixed ropes, porters, or pre-established high camps—demonstrating remarkable physical endurance, team coordination, and technical climbing expertise.
Historical Context:
The team ascended via the original Italian Route, first climbed by an Italian expedition in 1979. For descent, the team navigated a different, previously unused route, showcasing their adaptability and confidence in unexplored high-altitude terrain.
Leadership by Mueez from Zom Connection
The expedition was led by Mueez, a climber affiliated with an adventure sports initiative “Zom Connection”. In addition to leading the climb, he provided comprehensive technical training and mentorship to the entire team in preparation for the expedition. His leadership was instrumental in navigating the team safely through complex glacier systems, steep rock faces, and mixed alpine terrain, playing a critical role in the overall success and safety of the mission.
Summit Team Members:
•Mueez (Expedition Leader, Technical Trainer – Zom Connection)
•Akmal Naveed
•Athar Azeem
•Owais Ahmad
•Mudassir Wali
•Nasir Zaib
•Sher Khan
•Burhan Uddin
•Adil Zaman
Expedition Highlights:
•Expedition Name: Shabdaraz Thalo Zom Expedition 2025
•Style: Alpine (no fixed ropes, porters, or high camps)
•Ascent Route: Historic Italian Route (first climbed in 1979)
•Descent Route: New, alternate line
•Summit Time: 9:20 AM, July 29, 2025
•Location: Thalo Zom, Hindu Raj Range, Chitral, Pakistan
•Milestone: First-ever local Chitrali youth-led expedition to summit Thalo Zom
Expedition Timeline:
•Total Duration: 11 days
•Base Camp: 2 nights during ascent, 1 night during descent
•Camp 1 (4,700m): 1 night
•Camp 2 (5,400m): 2 nights (1 while ascending, 1 while descending)
This expedition is a milestone for local mountaineering in Chitral and sets a precedent for future youth-led alpine expeditions in Pakistan’s high mountain regions. It also highlights the growing capabilities of community-based organizations like Shabdaraz to lead high-standard, self-sufficient climbing missions in the Hindu Raj and beyond.
Conratulations and Well done Shabdaraz. And thank you Hasaham for backing them up.
first ascent by austrians. second with different route by two italian s one catalan and two pakistani from swat. expedition organized by mountain wilderness international.