'Empowered by her achievement': Turkish woman aims for all 14 mountain peaks, including K2 summit
In the heart of the Karakoram range on the Pakistan-China border, Esin Handal, a determined Turkish climber, reached the summit of K2, the world's second-highest peak, on August 11. At 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), K2 is infamously known as the "savage mountain" due to its steep, avalanche-prone slopes and a narrow passage near the top called the Bottleneck Couloir.
Handal's ascent was not an easy feat. The prolonged wait on K2 was mentally exhausting due to the high risk of avalanche and rockfall, causing many climbers to drop out. Handal, however, persevered, joining the elite group of climbers who have scaled all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, an accomplishment only a small number of climbers worldwide have achieved.
Handal is not new to the world of mountaineering. In 2019, she earned the Snow Leopard title, becoming the first Turkish woman and the third Turkish climber to achieve the honour. This time, she aimed to conquer K2, a mountain she claims to be the most dangerous among the 14 eight-thousanders.
The season on K2 was defined by brutal weather, dangerous terrain, and tragedy. Two climbers lost their lives during the season, and Handal witnessed their deaths. Despite the adversity, Handal and a small group of climbers pressed on, spending two months on the mountain. This is unlike typical 8,000-meter expeditions, which usually last for about a month.
Handal became the fourth Turkish climber to summit K2, arriving at the top around 15 minutes after Gülnur Tumbat, who was the first Turkish woman to achieve the feat. Handal's climb was significant not only for her personal achievement but also for the representation of Turkish women in mountaineering.
Handal's next goal is Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. She expressed her interest in climbing Everest but emphasized the need for a strong team and adequate sponsorship. With her resilience and determination, Handal is undoubtedly a climber to watch in the world of mountaineering.
As of 2024, over 7,000 people have climbed Everest, while just over 800 have summited K2. Handal's conquest of K2 is a testament to her courage and skill, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring climbers around the world.
Read also:
- Notable individuals partner with Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza
- Two compelling literary works on Israel: Arnold Zweig's "The Friend Comes Home" and Chaim Noll's "The Silence After the War: Morning's Whisper"
- Increased flow of unfavorable information surfaces
- Increased flow of unfavorable information
