GILGIT: A Japanese climber died and another was injured while attempting to ascend an unnamed peak in Ghanche district. The injured climber is scheduled to be airlifted to Skardu via Pakistan Army helicopters on Sunday.

Ghanche Deputy Commissioner Umer Vaqar told Dawn that two climbers, Tamura Shinji and Samba Takayasu from Japan, were making an Alpine-style ascent of an unclimbed peak with an altitude of 6,800 meters situated in Kanday valley of Ghanche district. While climbing, both individuals slipped from the rope and fell from a height of 5,300 meters, resulting in injuries.

Another mountaineer injured while attempting to ascend unnamed peak

Mr Takayasu, who sustained minor injuries, was able to move his partner, Mr Shinji, to a tent and then descended to the base camp. A ground rescue team, composed of experienced high-altitude climbers from Hushy Valley, was dispatched to aid the stranded climber. Despite searching the area, they were unable to locate him. It is believed that he fell into a crevasse during his descent at night.

The expedition organiser confirmed that Mr Takayasu is in stable condition at the base camp and is set to be airlifted to Skardu through Pakistan Army helicopters on Sunday. The surviving climber has informed the family of the deceased climber about the incident.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2023