Samina Baig Makes Polar History, Inches Closer to Explorer Grand Slam
Pakistan’s renowned mountaineer and adventurer Samina Baig has achieved another historic milestone by successfully reaching the South Pole, bringing her just one step closer to completing the prestigious Explorer Grand Slam one of the rarest achievements in the world of adventure sports.
Hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan, Samina Baig reached the southernmost point of the Earth after traveling from Union Glacier via a skiing route, widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding and technically challenging paths in Antarctica. The route tests not only physical endurance but also mental resilience, as explorers must battle extreme cold, high winds, isolation, and unpredictable terrain.
According to her brother and fellow mountaineer Mirza Ali, Samina deliberately chose the ski route to push her limits and assess her adaptability under the harshest conditions on the planet. Unlike guided or mechanized journeys, ski expeditions require athletes to haul heavy sleds, navigate whiteout conditions, and survive temperatures that can plunge below -40°C.
Upon reaching the South Pole, Samina Baig proudly hoisted the Pakistani national flag along with her community flag, marking the moment as a symbol of national pride and resilience. The powerful image resonated strongly across Pakistan, particularly among youth and women aspiring to break barriers in adventure sports.
Samina Baig is no stranger to historic firsts. She made global headlines in 2013 when she became the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. She later went on to conquer the Seven Summits the highest mountains on all seven continents a feat she completed in 2014, placing her among an elite group of international climbers.
With the successful South Pole expedition now complete, Samina has only one final destination left the North Pole to finish the Explorer Grand Slam. The achievement requires climbers to complete both the Seven Summits and expeditions to the Earth’s two polar extremes. To date, only a handful of explorers worldwide have managed to accomplish this rare double feat.
Beyond her personal achievements, Samina Baig’s journey carries deep symbolic value. Coming from a remote mountainous region, she has consistently challenged stereotypes surrounding women in sports and adventure. Her success has inspired countless young Pakistanis, especially women, to dream beyond traditional boundaries and pursue excellence in unconventional fields.
As she prepares for her final challenge at the North Pole, Samina Baig stands not just as an accomplished mountaineer, but as a global ambassador for Pakistan, showcasing courage, perseverance, and the spirit of exploration. Her journey continues to prove that with determination and belief, even the most extreme frontiers are within reach.






















































































































