Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world elevating 8,126 meters above sea level. This enormous mountain is believed to be “The Western Anchor to The Himalayas” which majestically lies in the Diamer district near Indus River of Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir administered by Pakistan. The name Nanga Parbat is a descendent of two Sanskrit words: ‘nagna’ and ‘parvata’ making a reasonable combination that translates to “Naked Mountain”. The mountain is also locally popular by its Tibetan name Diamer or Deo Mir defining “Huge Mountain”.
The 8,126 metered elevated peak was first discovered in 1895 by Europeans, The first expedition was carried out by Albert F.Mummery and Geoffrey Hastings but failed to reach the summit. Due to its accessibility, the attempt at its summit began in the early nineteenth century. Several German, American, British, and other mountaineers endeavored but couldn’t achieve till 1953. On July 3, 1953, an Australian climber, Hermann Buhi succeeded as the first solo ascent of The Killer Mountain without bottled oxygen making a remarkable history in the mountaineering world. The peak has earned several nicknames for its unique nature. It is equally famous as The Western Anchor to The Himalayas, Naked Mountain, Diamer or Deo Mira, and The Killer Mountain because of its high number of climber fatalities.
Although the mountain isn’t as high as Mt. Everest and Mt. K2, it is still considered to be one of the deadliest mountains in the world. It firmly stands as the third most difficult mountain to climb with an enormous number of fatalities after Annapurna and K2. If there is one mountain that can match Annapurna and K2 in terms of physical, technical, and psychological difficulties, it is Nanga Parbat undoubtedly. With a 22.3% fatality rate, the mountain is also popularly known as “Man Eater’ where one has to face one of the most intimidating rock walls on Earth. Nanga Parbat is a challenging experience for those who are seeking drastic mountaineering experiences. However, the mountain demands an extreme level of psychological strength and physicality that one must have to endure its hardship as the heart of this mountain is forged with a large bulk of ice and rock.
The best season to climb Nanga Parbat
The most favorable seasons to attempt are spring and summer as the days remain warm in these seasons. The expedition to the summit of Nanga Parbat is more convenient in July and August than winter months.