NAME: Naila Kiani
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @naila._.kiani
JOB TITLE: Ultra Athlete and High Altitude Mountaineer
Naila Kiani is a proud Pakistani, British mountaineer, athlete and mother of two adventurous little girls. Her journey into high-altitude climbing started as a personal challenge but quickly grew into a passion for breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Naila has had the privilege of conquering some of the world’s toughest peaks, including Mount Everest and K2. Through every climb, she has carried the hope of inspiring women, especially in Pakistan, to dream beyond societal expectations.
Recently, Naila was honoured to receive the Youth Excellence Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and she is working on launching educational initiatives to empower young girls back in her home country.
Sharing her story at events like Ride4Unity: The Road to Resilience has further fuelled her mission to champion resilience and courage. Naila is now preparing for new expeditions, always with a desire to challenge limits and lead by example for her daughters and women everywhere.
Today Naila shares with us her biggest life learnings so far:
#LIFE LESSON 1: The Journey Matters More Than the Destination
One of the most powerful lessons I have learned on the mountains is that the real victory isn’t just reaching the summit - it’s what happens during the journey. Standing on top of some of the world’s highest mountains such as Everest was surreal, but the endless hours of preparation, self-doubt, freezing temperatures and setbacks are where I truly grew. That’s where the transformation happens. Climbing has taught me to embrace each moment, even the struggles, because they shape who you become. As a mother, I see parallels in raising children - every challenge and joy shapes the bond we build with them. Whether you are facing a steep mountain or a personal hurdle, it’s the journey that makes it meaningful.
#LIFE LESSON 2: True Strength Comes from Believing in Yourself
Growing up in Pakistan, I never imagined I would one day be scaling the tallest mountains in the world. It wasn’t part of the narrative for women in my community. There were moments during my expeditions when I questioned myself - facing avalanches, exhaustion and the fear of failure. But the biggest breakthrough came when I realised that strength comes from within.Confidence isn’t something you wait for - it’s built through action. Taking that first step, whether it’s onto a glacier or into an unfamiliar life situation, is what fuels belief in yourself. As women, we often wait for permission to pursue our dreams. My message to women is this: You are stronger than you think. Trust your instincts and take that giant step.
#LIFE LESSON 3: Resilience Transforms You
Resilience isn’t just bouncing back - it’s adapting, learning and emerging stronger. Mountains have a way of teaching you that setbacks are inevitable, whether it’s a sudden storm or an unexpected injury. It’s the same with life. I have faced moments when giving up seemed easier, but I have learned that pushing through discomfort is where growth happens. Opening doors for girls in Pakistan through educational initiatives and representing them on global stages has fuelled my resolve to keep climbing - both literal and metaphorical mountains. Through resilience, we find transformation, and that’s a lesson I hope my daughters carry with them always.
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