Fifteen-year-old Moroccan mountaineer Youssef Tazi reached the summit of Kang Yatse II, a 6,250-meter peak in the Indian Himalayas, on Saturday, August 1, completing an eight-day expedition.
The ascent, achieved without supplemental oxygen, makes Tazi the youngest Moroccan, African, and Arab mountaineer to reach this altitude. This accomplishment marks a new milestone in his “Road to Everest 2028” project, according to a statement from his team.
The summit push, on the peak located in the Markha Valley in Ladakh, northern India, began at 12:18 a.m. from base camp at an altitude of 5,070 meters. The round trip lasted 12 hours and 21 minutes, covering an elevation gain of 1,180 meters, the statement said.
The climb took place under particularly challenging conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 10 degrees Celsius, dense fog severely reducing visibility, and snow covering nearly two-thirds of the route, reaching thigh height in some sections.
The harsh weather forced 13 climbers to abandon their summit attempt, while 16 successfully reached the top. Tazi’s team was the first to reach the summit that day.
This achievement culminates several years of dedication during which Tazi has climbed more than 50 peaks in Morocco, as well as several mountains abroad, including Mount Ararat in Turkey, Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak), and Mount Elbrus (Europe’s highest mountain).
“My message to all children and young people is simple: believe in your dreams, work to achieve them, and never give up, no matter the challenges,” Tazi said.
Alongside his sporting career, Tazi serves as a UNICEF Morocco Young Advocate for Children’s Rights, encouraging children and young people to participate in physical activity, pursue their education, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and protect the environment.
His “Road to Everest 2028” project is designed to gradually lead him toward his ultimate goal of climbing Mount Everest in 2028.
