How do climbers prepare for worst-case scenarios? I think this doesn’t apply only to Broad Peak. If you’re attempting any mountain, you have to go with 100% preparation. Before every expedition, we spend months training. We work on our endurance, strength, technical climbing skills, altitude training, and rescue techniques. We also study the route, weather forecasts, and possible risks. But one thing I’ve learned is that no matter how much you prepare, the mountain will always demand more from you. Mountaineering is not just about physical strength—it’s a mind game. You have to be mentally very, very strong because anything can happen in the mountains. The weather can change within minutes, and you have to stay calm and make the right decisions under pressure. I’ve experienced this myself. During my expedition to Himachal Pradesh’s highest peak, we got stuck at Advanced Base Camp because of a complete whiteout and heavy snowfall. There was a high risk of avalanches and rockfall, so the safest decision was to stay at Advanced Base Camp instead of climbing higher or coming down. We had limited food, no communication, and no way to contact our families or call for rescue. In those moments, you have to stay patient, trust your team, and never panic. One thing I always believe is that the mountain doesn’t care who you are or how experienced you are. You have to be humble, respect the mountain, and respect nature. We are only visitors there. That’s why we always prepare for the worst-case scenario, not the best case, because in the mountains, anything can happen at any time. Our biggest achievement is not just reaching the summit—it’s returning home safely.
