In a historic achievement, Bangladeshi mountaineer Dr Babar Ali has successfully reached the summit of Annapurna-1, hoisting the national flag at the top of one of the world’s most dangerous mountains for the first time.
Babar reached the 8,091-meter peak on the morning of Monday, April 7, guided by the renowned Sherpa Furba Angel. The news was confirmed by expedition manager Farhan Zaman and Mohan Lamsal, owner of the Nepal-based expedition company Makalu Adventure.
A physician by profession, Babar Ali is also one of the founding members and the General Secretary of the Chattogram-based mountaineering club Vertical Dreamers. Last year, he became the first Bangladeshi to summit both Mount Everest and Lhotse—respectively the world's highest and fourth-highest peaks—during the same expedition.
Although Annapurna I ranks as the 10th highest mountain globally, it is infamous for its high fatality rate, making it one of the most perilous climbs in the world. Babar set out from Bangladesh on March 24 and arrived at Annapurna Base Camp via Kathmandu and Pokhara on March 28 after completing his preparations.
He rested for a day at the base camp before beginning the acclimatization phase—spending two nights at Camp 1 (5,200 meters) and one night at Camp 2 (5,700 meters) before descending back to base camp on April 2.
According to Vertical Dreamers, climbers typically wait for a favorable weather window at base camp before pushing for the summit. Based on the forecast, April 6 was identified as the final day of good weather. Babar resumed his climb on April 3, ascending to Camp 2 by the next day despite encountering a snowstorm. Braving harsh conditions, he pressed on to Camp 3 (6,500 meters).
Climbers usually establish a final high-altitude camp at around 7,400 meters, but due to the challenging weather, Babar decided to launch his final summit push directly from Camp 3 on the night of April 6.
"This marks a new chapter in Bangladesh's mountaineering history," said expedition manager Farhan Zaman. "Babar's achievement is a testament to his determination, resilience, and hard work. We believe this milestone will inspire many and open new frontiers for adventure in Bangladesh."
As of now, Babar is expected to descend to Camp 2 today and may reach the base camp by April 8.
His expedition was supported by several sponsors, including Visual Knitwears Ltd, Visual Eco Stylewear Ltd, ADF Agro, Flight Expert, Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd, and Blue J.
