Who is Klara Kolouchova? Czech mountaineer dies on Nanga Parbat

Czech mountaineer Klara Kolouchova tragically died on Thursday, after falling from a slope on Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world. She was 46 years old.

Kolouchova was attempting to climb the dangerous 8,125-metre (26,656-foot) peak located in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The mountain is often called the “Killer Mountain” due to its deadly reputation and high fatality rate.

Fall Confirmed by Officials

According to Nizam-ud-Din, a senior local government official, Kolouchova slipped on a slope and fell into a deep ravine. One of her teammates reported the tragic incident.

“The body’s exact location will first be traced. Once confirmed, we’ll begin a rescue operation using helicopters,” he told AFP.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan, which monitors mountaineering activities, also confirmed her death.

A Trailblazer in Mountaineering

Klara Kolouchova made history as the first Czech woman to summit both Mount Everest and K2, the world’s highest and second-highest peaks. She was a role model for women in mountaineering.

“She was an inspirational climber and a source of motivation for women mountaineers,” said Karrar Haidri, Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. “Her death leaves a void in the climbing fraternity.”

Final Instagram Post From Islamabad

Kolouchova’s last Instagram post was made on June 14, just before her final expedition. In her emotional caption, she reflected on her failed attempt last year: “Last year, the Naked Mountain laid me bare. Stripped me to silence, to stillness, to soul. This time, we aim higher. This time, we summit.”

Nanga Parbat: One of the World’s Most Dangerous Peaks

Nanga Parbat, located in Pakistan’s Himalayas, has claimed dozens of lives. Before the first successful summit in 1953, over 30 climbers died attempting the ascent. The fatality rate is estimated to be one in five.

Pakistan is home to five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, including K2. The country draws international climbers every summer from June to August.

Kolouchova’s death is the first reported casualty of the 2025 summer climbing season.