Four of Pakistan’s top climbers at high altitude have begun ambitious expeditions in Nepal with the aim of scaling some of the world’s highest and most dangerous tops in the spring climbing season, including Everest, Dhaulagiri and Kanchenjunga.

The leading charge is Sajid Ali Sadpara, the son of the late legendary mountaineer Muhammad Ali Sadpara, who tries to the summit Dhaulagiri (8.167 m), the seventh highest mountain in the world.

Sadpara reached Base Camp on April 6, completed its acclimatization up to Camp 3, and is now waiting for a clear weather window for a summit that is expected about 9 May.

He adheres to the climbing of alpine style-without high altitude oxygen or porters. A successful increase would mark his ninth 8,000 m+ summit under such conditions. His previous feats include K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak and both Gasher Brub I and II.

Meanwhile, Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s most decorated female mountaineer, has begun her approach to Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the world’s third highest mountain.

Her hike to base camp is expected to span over a week. Kiani has already summed up 11 of the 14 highest peaks on the ground and is still the only Pakistani woman to do so.

Participation in her at Kanchenjunga is Sirbaz Khan, who on April 7 summarized Annapurna (8.091 m) without oxygen.

With 13 eight thousands under its belt, Kanchenjunga represents the last top in his bid to become the first Pakistani to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000 m giants, mostly without oxygen.

Also on the slopes is Wajidullah Nagri, who has reached Everest Base Camp as he prepares for his own summit attempt. Nagri has previously climbed five large Pakistani tops, including K2 and Nanga Parbat.

With all four climbers on pivotal points in their careers, this season could prove historically to Pakistani mountaineering on the world stage.