Babar Ali Makes History: First Bangladeshi to Summit Makalu in Landmark Mountaineering Feat

In a defining moment for Bangladesh’s adventure and mountaineering community, Babar Ali has etched his name into history by becoming the first Bangladeshi to successfully summit Makalu which is the world’s fifth-highest peak at 8,485 meters.

This extraordinary achievement is more than a personal victory; it represents a major milestone for Bangladesh on the global mountaineering map, signaling the country’s growing presence in extreme adventure sports.

A Historic Summit for Bangladesh

Makalu, located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China, is widely regarded as one of the most technically challenging mountains among the world’s eight-thousanders. Unlike some other high peaks, Makalu demands not only physical endurance but also advanced climbing skills due to its steep pitches, knife-edge ridges, and unpredictable weather.

By reaching its summit, Babar Ali joins an elite group of climbers worldwide who have conquered one of the most formidable mountains on Earth.

For Bangladesh, however, this is a first.

No Bangladeshi had previously stood atop Makalu, making this achievement both historic and symbolic.

Who is Babar Ali?

Babar Ali is not new to high-altitude expeditions. Over the years, he has steadily built his reputation as one of Bangladesh’s most determined climbers, taking on some of the toughest peaks in the Himalayas.

His journey reflects a broader reality: mountaineering in Bangladesh is still a niche pursuit, often limited by funding constraints, lack of institutional support, and minimal infrastructure.

Yet climbers like Babar Ali continue to push boundaries driven by passion rather than resources.

Babar Ali is also the first Bangladeshi to scale Manaslu without supplemental oxygen. On the early morning of 26 September 2025, he reached the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m).

The Challenge of Makalu

Climbing Makalu is not just about reaching the top, it is about surviving one of the harshest environments on Earth.

The mountain is known for:

• Steep ice and rock faces
• Narrow summit ridges
• Extreme weather conditions
• High avalanche risk

At such altitudes, oxygen levels are dangerously low, and climbers face constant threats including frostbite, altitude sickness, and exhaustion.

Every step toward the summit requires precision, patience, and resilience.

A Test of Human Limits

High-altitude mountaineering pushes the human body to its absolute limits.

Above 8,000 meters the so-called “death zone” the body begins to deteriorate due to lack of oxygen. Climbers must make critical decisions quickly, balancing ambition with survival.

For Babar Ali, summiting Makalu meant navigating:

• Long acclimatization periods
• Multiple rotations between camps
• Harsh weather windows
• Physical and mental exhaustion

Reaching the summit is only half the journey. The descent is equally dangerous, often testing climbers when they are most fatigued.

Bangladesh’s Growing Presence in Mountaineering

While Bangladesh is not traditionally known for mountaineering, recent years have seen a steady rise in climbers attempting major Himalayan peaks.

The country first made global headlines in mountaineering when Bangladeshi climbers successfully summited Mount Everest, inspiring a new generation of adventurers.

Babar Ali’s success on Makalu builds on that legacy, expanding the horizons of what Bangladeshi climbers can achieve.

Why This Achievement Matters

1. National Pride

This historic summit brings international recognition to Bangladesh in a field where it has had limited visibility.

2. Inspiration for Youth

Young adventurers across the country can now look at mountaineering as a serious pursuit, not just a distant dream.

3. Expanding Sporting Identity

Bangladesh’s global sporting identity has largely been defined by cricket. Achievements like this diversify that image.

The Struggles Behind the Success

Behind every summit lies a story of struggle.

For Bangladeshi climbers, the challenges extend beyond the mountains:

• Limited sponsorship opportunities
• High expedition costs
• Lack of advanced training facilities
• Minimal government support

Climbing an 8,000-meter peak can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making it an extremely difficult pursuit without strong backing.

Babar Ali’s success, therefore, reflects not just physical strength but also perseverance against systemic limitations.

The Global Context of Makalu

Among the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, Makalu is often considered one of the most technically demanding.

Unlike Mount Everest, which has more established routes and support systems, Makalu offers:

• Fewer climbers
• Less infrastructure
• Greater technical difficulty

This makes summiting Makalu a significant achievement even among experienced mountaineers.

What Comes Next?

Babar Ali’s historic climb could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh’s mountaineering community.

Potential outcomes include:

• Increased interest in adventure sports
• Greater investment in training and support
• More international collaborations

It also raises an important question: Will Bangladesh now invest in developing mountaineering as a structured sport?

A Symbol of Possibility

At its core, this story is about possibility.

It shows that even in a country without mountains, individuals can rise to conquer the highest peaks on Earth.

It challenges assumptions about what Bangladeshi athletes can achieve and where they can compete globally.

Looking Ahead

The successful summit of Makalu by Babar Ali is a landmark moment for Bangladesh.

It is a story of courage, resilience, and ambition one that transcends sport and enters the realm of national inspiration.

As Bangladesh continues to evolve on the global stage, achievements like this remind us that the country’s potential is not confined by geography.

Sometimes, it is defined by the courage to climb beyond it.