About the Episode 

Join co- hosts Julie and Laura as they explore the intriguing topic of Navigating Sleep as a Mountaineer, athelete, mum and everything in between!

Discover Naila’s insights into the cultural challenges she faced, transitioning from banking to mountaineering. Learn how she manages sleep disruptions at high altitudes and balances the demands of family-life and a thriving mountaineering career.

About our Guest

Naila Kiani,

Athlete

Naila Kiani, a leading Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer, is the first Pakistani woman to conquer 10 of the 14 eight-thousanders within two years, setting a record as the fastest Pakistani to summit all 8,000-meter peaks. Notably, she achieved seven climbs over 8,000 meters within a remarkable six-month period.

In her climbing career, Kiani achieved several milestones. In July 2021, she became the first Pakistani woman to ascend Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters). In July 2022, she and Samina Baig became the only two Pakistani women to scale K2 (8,611 meters), the world's second-highest mountain.

Following her K2 conquest, Kiani became the first Pakistani woman to summit Gasherbrum I (8,080 meters) in August 2022. Her achievements continued, with notable climbs including Annapurna, Mount Everest, and Mount Lhotse within a short timeframe.

In July 2023, Kiani achieved a series of firsts, summiting Nanga Parbat (8,125 meters) and Broad Peak (8,051 meters), becoming the first Pakistani woman to climb all five of Pakistan’s highest peaks above 8,000 meters.

Recognizing her extraordinary accomplishments, in August 2023, Naila Kiani was honored with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi.