Nanga Parbat (the Killer Mountain) – Winning Hearts in Germany

Nanga Parbat, meaning the Naked Mountain in native language, the 8,125 Metres or 26,657 feet tall Himalayan peak, is also known as Diamir (King of Mountains) in local language. It faces the Nanga Parbat Lake in front of Fairy Meadows which gets its name from the local folk who consider Mountains to be the abode of fairies. Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world, and the westernmost mountain of the Himalayas.

The summit is shaped like reclining women, as remarked by some imaginative mountain and beauty lover. If flying to Skardu, one can see the Nanga from the right window of the aircraft. One can feel the grandeur of the height when flying almost to the level of its peak. I once flew to Skardu and was mesmerized by the glory and majesty of this great mountain which almost leveled off by the plane window. 

Nanga Parbat, located at the western end of the Himalayas, was first conquered by Herman Buhl, of Germany, in 1953 after 31 people died attempting it. Since then more have died on its slopes but mountaineers all over the world would still like to conquer this otherwise technically one of the most difficult mountains to climb.

Recently, German audiences are getting mesmerized by a real story that took place at Nanga Parbat, and of enduring human spirit revealed by two German brother mountaineers. The film is getting screened in 300 cinemas in Germany. The film dramatized the thrilling, emotional and tragic events of the expedition to Nanga Parbat in 1970 and concentrates on the young and ambitious brothers Reinhold (25 years) and Gunther Messner (23 years) on their way to first over eight thousand meter high mountain. 

Its route leading up to 4500 meters called Rupal Wall, is the world’s highest steep face and is considered most challenging mountaineering in the world. The film beautifully depicts the risks and difficulties that the expedition had to face while climbing this route, said a message received from Berlin. The premier of the film was attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Delphi Filmplast, Berlin. Leading politicians, diplomats, artists and celebrities were also present at the opening show.

Related Reading:

Meet me in the Mountains
Fascinating Pakistan - Nanga Parbat
Fascinating Pakistan - The Eight Thousanders

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