SKARDU, July 11: The Golden Jubilee celebrations of the first ascent of K2, the second highest peak in the world, commenced here on Sunday.

The district administration has finalized all arrangements for the event. Over 150 foreign guests are expected to arrive in Skardu on Monday to participate in the celebrations.

Northern Areas Adviser on Health and Tourism Imran Nadeem and Skardu Deputy Commissioner Sajid Baloch would receive the participants at Shingus - the gateway to Baltistan.

The Deputy Chief Executive of Northern Areas, Haji Fida Mohammad Nashad, along with public representatives, officials of the district administration and notables of the city would be accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome at Kachura Bridge.

In Skardu, cultural programmes and traditional polo matches would be presented in honour of the guests. The participants of the celebration would visit historical places and famous tourist spots, including Sadpara and Kachura lakes.

Preparations have been completed, and the city town has been embellished. Tour operators and different segments of the people have installed welcome banners for the guests at various points of the roads and markets.

Hundreds of domestic tourists have already reached Skardu to participate in the celebrations. Several dozen expedition teams have also reached here and are busy in scaling different peaks, including K-2, to mark the 50th anniversary of the conquest of the world's second highest peak.

The first conqueror of K-2, Lino Lacedelli, his daughter, Alberta, and other people have already reached the K-2 base camp to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations.