In 2025, Qatari royal and mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani has returned to Nepal—not just to conquer another Himalayan giant, but also to raise global awareness about climate change. Her target this time? Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, standing tall at 8,485 meters.
This journey marks yet another milestone in her pursuit of the Explorers Grand Slam, a challenge that includes summiting the highest peaks on all seven continents and reaching both the North and South Poles. But more than just personal achievement, this expedition comes with a message: The Himalayas are changing, and fast.
Sheikha Asma Al Thani, a member of Qatar’s royal family and a pioneering mountaineer, has returned to Nepal to undertake the formidable ascent of Mt. Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak at 8,485 meters. This expedition is part of her ongoing quest to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, which involves climbing the highest mountains on each continent and reaching both the North and South Poles. Notably, she has already summited seven of the 14 eight-thousanders, including Everest, K2, and Manaslu .
Nepal: The Stage of Her Mission
Nepal holds a special place in Princess Asma’s mountaineering career. She has climbed several peaks in the country and engaged deeply with local communities. This time, she’s doing more than just climbing—she’s advocating for climate action.
During a recent speech at the Summiteer’s Summit in Thame, a remote village in Solukhumbu, she spoke about the devastating effects of climate change. The princess recalled her 2019 Everest ascent and compared it to her recent visits
Her words come as a wake-up call to the world, especially to those who look up to the Himalayas as eternal snow-capped giants. The rapidly melting glaciers, frequent avalanches, and erratic weather patterns are all signals of a climate in crisis.
Mountaineering for Empowerment
One of Princess Asma’s most admirable goals is to empower Arab women and young people to chase their dreams. Through her expeditions, she hopes to shatter stereotypes and encourage women in the Middle East to break traditional barriers.
Her story is not just inspiring—it’s transformative. As a senior official with the Qatar Olympic Committee, she also advocates for women in sports and leadership roles, using her climbs as metaphors for personal and collective growth.
Follow Her Journey
Princess Asma is documenting her Makalu expedition on her official Instagram account, @atalthani, where she shares real-time updates, thoughts from the mountain, and highlights of her mission to inspire and educate.
If you’re a fan of adventure, sustainability, and powerful female leadership, her journey is one worth following.
Championing Climate Awareness in the Himalayas
Beyond her mountaineering achievements, Princess Asma is using her platform to highlight the pressing issue of climate change. During the Summiteer’s Summit in Thame, a village affected by glacial floods, she expressed deep concern over the rapid melting of snow in the Himalayas. Reflecting on her previous climb of Everest in 2019, she remarked on the stark contrast in the mountain’s appearance, noting the absence of snow and the exposed, blackened cliffs—a visible testament to the region’s environmental degradation .
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations
Princess Asma’s mountaineering journey began in 2014 with the ascent of Kilimanjaro. Since then, she has achieved numerous milestones:
First Qatari woman to summit Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Manaslu.
First Arab to summit an eight-thousander (Manaslu) without supplemental oxygen.
First Qatari to ski to the North Pole.
Director of Marketing and Communications for the Qatar Olympic Committee .
Her endeavors aim to inspire women and youth in the Middle East and beyond to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms.
Why This Story Matters in 2025
With the world shifting its focus toward climate resilience and gender empowerment, Sheikha Asma’s expedition comes at the perfect time. It touches upon critical global issues:
Climate change in the Himalayas and the threat it poses to local communities.
Adventure tourism as a medium for advocacy and awareness.
Women’s empowerment through sports and exploration.
Cultural diplomacy, as her visits foster stronger ties between Qatar and Nepal.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Climb
As Princess Asma Al Thani continues her ascent of Mt. Makalu, her presence in Nepal is a beacon of strength, resilience, and vision. It’s not just about standing on another summit—it’s about standing up for the planet and inspiring future generations.
Her expedition reminds us all that mountains are more than just physical challenges—they’re symbolic of the struggles we face as a planet. And by climbing them, we rise not just in altitude, but in awareness, unity, and purpose.
Highlights
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal to conquer the majestic Mt. Makalu.
Once again, Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal for a record-breaking expedition.
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal with a powerful climate message.
The inspiring mountaineer Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal for a new challenge.
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal to raise awareness about global warming.
Mountaineering icon Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal in 2025.
With a mission in mind, Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal’s Himalayas.
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal, combining adventure with advocacy.
For another Himalayan ascent, Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal.
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal, aiming to inspire youth and women.
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal, continuing her Explorers Grand Slam quest.
This spring, Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal to climb one of the toughest peaks.
With determination, Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal for a meaningful climb.
Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal, highlighting the impact of climate change.
Climber and changemaker Asma Al Thani returns to Nepal once more.
Stay Connected with Her Journey
For real-time updates on Princess Asma’s expedition and her advocacy efforts, follow her on Instagram: @atalthani.
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