Turkish woman demonstrates her might following summit of K2 mountain, now aims to conquer all 14 international peaks

In the heart of the Karakoram range on the Pakistan-China border, the second-highest peak in the world, K2, has long been notorious for its steep, avalanche-prone slopes and treacherous terrain. On August 11, 2023, Esin Handal, a determined Turkish climber, became one of the few to stand atop this formidable mountain, making history as the fourth Turkish climber to summit K2.

Handal's journey was fraught with challenges. The death rate on K2 is historically 23%, significantly higher than Mount Everest's 2%. Two climbers lost their lives during the season, and Handal witnessed their tragic deaths. The Bottleneck, a narrow and steep ice-filled gully just below K2's summit, poses a significant risk for climbers. Sudden weather shifts can quickly turn progress into peril, adding to the mountain's deadly reputation.

Despite these dangers, Handal remained undeterred. She arrived at the top around 15 minutes after Gülnur Tumbat, the first Turkish woman to summit K2, marking a significant milestone in Turkish mountaineering. Handal's ambition doesn't stop at K2. She aims to scale all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, an elite goal only a small number of climbers have completed.

Handal's climb was unlike typical 8,000-meter expeditions. Due to the harsh conditions, the season lasted for two months, with Handal spending this extended period on the mountain. The prolonged wait was mentally exhausting due to the high risk of avalanche and rockfall.

Handal's journey to K2 began in 2019 when she became the first Turkish woman to earn the Snow Leopard title, an honor given to climbers who summit five peaks over 7,000 meters in the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges. This achievement marked her as a formidable force in the world of mountaineering.

In the face of adversity, Handal has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She has expressed interest in climbing Mount Everest but requires a strong team and adequate sponsorship. As she continues her quest to conquer the world's highest peaks, Handal serves as an inspiration to climbers and adventurers everywhere.

Turkish woman demonstrates her might following summit of K2 mountain, now aims to conquer all 14 international peaks