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Mountaineer Iftikhar Hussain Dies in K2 Avalanche, Body Repatriated to Skardu
Tragedy on K2: Local climber Iftikhar Hussain dies in avalanche. His body was airlifted to Skardu by Army Aviation. Foreign team members survive with minor injuries.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-19
Mountaineer Iftikhar Hussain Dies in K2 Avalanche, Body Repatriated to Skardu

A tragic avalanche on the world’s second-highest peak, K2, claimed the life of Iftikhar Hussain, a seasoned high-altitude porter from Sadpara, Skardu. The avalanche struck Camp 1 around 12:30pm on Friday, according to officials and Alpine Club representatives.

The incident occurred as a four-member international expedition team was descending from Camp 2 during a summit rotation. The avalanche hit approximately 500 meters above base camp, catching all four climbers in its path.

According to Karrar Haidri, Senior Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), a foreign climber suffered minor injuries, while two others managed to return safely to the Advance Base Camp. Tragically, Iftikhar Hussain did not survive the ordeal.

The expedition included Nepali climbers Dawa Finjo Sherpa and Dawa Geljen Sherpa, and another high-altitude porter from Skardu, Niaz Ali.

On Saturday, Army Aviation helicopters airlifted Hussain’s body and the injured Nepali climber, Finjo, to Skardu. Tour operator Syed Anwar confirmed that Hussain’s remains were handed over to his family for burial, while Finjo was stable and receiving medical treatment at a government hospital in Skardu.

The successful air evacuation was made possible after the expedition outfitter submitted a formal request to ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad and Askari Aviation, which was promptly approved by the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters on humanitarian grounds.

Rising Dangers in the Karakoram

K2, standing at 8,611 meters, remains one of the world’s most dangerous peaks, notorious for its harsh conditions and unpredictable weather. Despite the risks, it draws climbers from around the globe each year. In 2024, 175 climbing permits were issued by Gilgit-Baltistan authorities for K2 alone.

This incident follows another tragic accident earlier this month, when 46-year-old Czech mountaineer Klára Kolouchová fell into a ravine while descending from Nanga Parbat. She had fallen ill at Camp 4 and was accompanied by her Sherpa when she lost her footing.

As Pakistan continues to attract high-altitude adventurers, these tragedies serve as a sobering reminder of the perils faced by climbers and porters alike in the country’s formidable mountain ranges.

 
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