Historic Double Summit: Sajid Sadpara and Babar Ali Conquer Mount Makalu
The spring 2026 climbing season has reached a historic milestone with two South Asian mountaineers successfully summiting Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak. On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Pakistani climber Sajid Ali Sadpara and Bangladeshi climber Babar Ali both reached the 8,485-meter summit, marking significant achievements for their respective nations and the global mountaineering community.
Sajid Ali Sadpara: A Legacy Continued
Pakistani mountaineer Sajid Ali Sadpara reached the summit of Mount Makalu at 5:00 AM on Saturday. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) issued a statement congratulating Sadpara on the remarkable feat, emphasizing the difficulty of the ascent.
Sadpara, the son of the legendary late climber Ali Sadpara, has consistently pushed the boundaries of high-altitude climbing. His ascent of Makalu further cements his status as one of Pakistan’s premier mountaineers, continuing a family legacy of bravery and endurance in the Himalayas.
Babar Ali: A First for Bangladesh
In a groundbreaking achievement for Bangladeshi sports, Babar Ali became the first Bangladeshi citizen to summit Mount Makalu. According to reports from Voice7 News, Ali reached the peak at 5:45 AM Bangladesh time on Saturday, May 2.
This ascent is not only a national first but also a personal milestone for Ali, marking his fifth successful climb of a mountain exceeding 8,000 meters. This achievement is considered unprecedented for any climber from Bangladesh and is part of his larger ambition to conquer all 14 of the world’s “eight-thousanders.”
The Challenge of Mount Makalu
Mount Makalu is renowned among climbers for its technical difficulty and steep slopes. Standing at 8,485 meters, it is the fifth-highest mountain on Earth. The “death zone”—the altitude above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain human life indefinitely—makes any single summit a perilous undertaking, requiring immense physical conditioning and mental fortitude.
- Sajid Ali Sadpara: Summited Makalu at 5:00 AM on May 2, 2026.
- Babar Ali: First Bangladeshi to summit Makalu; reached the peak at 5:45 AM (Bangladesh time) on May 2, 2026.
- Babar Ali’s Record: This marks his fifth successful ascent of a peak over 8,000 meters.
- Mountain Stats: Mount Makalu is the 5th highest peak globally, standing at 8,485 meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sajid Ali Sadpara?
Sajid Ali Sadpara is a renowned Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer and the son of the late Ali Sadpara. He is known for his attempts on the world’s highest peaks and his commitment to mountain conservation.
Why is Babar Ali’s summit significant?
Babar Ali is the first person from Bangladesh to ever reach the summit of Mount Makalu. His success highlights the growing presence of Bangladeshi climbers in elite high-altitude mountaineering.
What makes Mount Makalu different from Mount Everest?
While Everest is the highest, Makalu is often cited by climbers as being more technically challenging due to its steepness and the isolation of its location, making rescue operations and logistics more complex.
As the 2026 spring season continues, these summits serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. With Babar Ali targeting the remaining eight-thousanders and Sajid Sadpara continuing his ascent through the world’s most challenging peaks, the mountaineering world awaits the next chapter of South Asian climbing history.