Some journeys begin with a plan. Others begin at just 10 years of age.
It all started when Yahya Aziz made one request to his father: "Take me along to K2 Basecamp."
Yahya lives in Lahore. He is the son of an ibexian, Omar Aziz, who has been with ibex. Pakistan for over 14. This little boy was an adventurer, through and through. He had grown up around stories of travel, hiking, and exploration of his dad. Like father, like son.
So when the opportunity came, Yahya didn't think twice. He asked. And luckily, his father agreed.
What followed was no ordinary trip. It was a 20-day expedition through some of the most dangerous (but breathtaking) terrains in the world. From Skardu to Jhola, the journey began with rugged jeep tracks cutting through the beauty of Shigar Valley. But that was just the start.
The real challenge came when Yayha had to do a 7-day trek across the Baltoro Glacier. One of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions, stretching over 70 kilometers. And to add to the top, towering above were giants of the earth, Trango Towers, Muztagh Tower, and endless icy landscapes that felt almost surreal.
And then came Concordia.
Standing at 4,691 meters, surrounded by four of the world's highest peaks: K2, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and Broad Peak. Concordia is often called the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods."
But Yahya's journey was far from being done. The real test awaited at Gondogoro La Pass (5,585m). A climb that wasn't just physically demanding, but freezing and relentless.
Imagine climbing at night… in -22°C… at extreme altitude. And yet, this 10 year old boy had the courage to do it.
And as he did, Yahya became the youngest person in the world to cross Gondogoro La at 5,585 meters.
Let that sink in.
From there, the descent into Hushey Valley marked the final stretch of a 128 km journey, ending after 17 days of trekking through the wild, untamed beauty of the Karakoram.
But beyond the numbers, distances, and records…there was a moment where everything became still for a moment.
Standing at the summit. Holding the Pakistan flag in one hand, and the ibex. flag in the other.
It was a moment of pride. A moment of achievement. A moment that made Yayha's dad so proud of his son.
In August 2021, Yahya's journey was officially recognized when he received the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan. He also became a brand ambassador for ibex. (Such an honour to have someone so talented in our team!)
For Yayha, climbing K2 was the beginning.
Because some people don't just chase dreams. They climb them.
And Yahya? He's already looking at the next peak. And we wish him to reach greater heights!
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