The first ever six-member Turkish expedition has scaled 8,035-metre high Gasherbrum-II (G-II) in Karakoram on July 22, 2005. The expedition has been conducted in the framework of the celebration of 85th anniversary of Turkish Grand National Assembly.
This year around 200 mountaineers have tried to conquer Gasherbrum-II, also known as G-II but hardly 13 made it with 6 being the member of Turkish team.
All the team members including two women are professional graduates from one of the most prestigious universities of Turkey, Middle East Technical University (METU).
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, the team leader, Serhan Pocan, said they had been enjoying the hospitality of the Pakistani people as well as the good law and order situation.
"We'll mention this all to our countrymen in Turkey to encourage them to come here and enjoy some of the world's lofty peaks," he said.
He said they would like to come again and scale other peaks in Pakistan. Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Hasan Kamal said the expedition reflected love and affection of Turkish people to Pakistan and its people. Later, Tariq Siddiqui of Alpine Club of Pakistan awarded certificates to the mountaineers.
Other members were Dr Burcak Onoglu Pocan, Dr Dora Mavis, Elif Eylem Koc, Soner Buyukatalay and Serkan Girgin.