Mountain guides in the Karakorum: Women conquer the summit Pakistan!

Mountain guides in the Karakorum: Women conquer the summit Pakistan!

in the remote mountain village of Shimshal, which is located in the middle of the majestic Karakoram range in Pakistan, brave women succeed in turning the traditional roles upside down. In the mountaineering school of the renowned climber Qudrat Ali, young women train as mountain guides in order not only to secure their own livelihood, but also to set a sign for all women in Pakistan. On February 18, 2025, André Hörmann's extraordinary documentary "Daughters of the Karakorum" will be broadcast on ORF 2, which documents this inspiring change. One of the biggest challenges for these women is the climbing of the 5,300 meter high Shifkener Sar, which is the conclusion of their training, such as ots.at reported.

The Kalasha, an indigenous people with a centuries -old polytheistic tradition of faith, also live in the region. They inhabit the remote valleys from Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir at the foot of the Himalayas and practice their own customs and festivals that are deeply connected to nature. Despite the modern challenges, such as the pressure on conversion to Islam, the Kalasha get their unique identity. Its population has shrunk dramatically in recent decades, from around 30,000 in 1950 to 3,000 to 4,000 people today, such as Medium.com . The switch to modern ways of life brings risks to their old traditions, and the increase in social pressure could put the cultural integrity of the Kalasha in danger.

The Kalasha culture is increasingly threatened by state schools and other influencing factors, since many young people are curious about the possibilities of modern life and leave their old traditions behind. Nevertheless, both local and international organizations do important work to preserve the Kalasha cultural heritage and to help them maintain their authenticity in a rapidly changing environment. Their survival strategies and their deeply rooted connection to nature are signs of a constant but challenging identity that continues to exist in a world that is changing rapidly.