KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: A Pakistani mountain porter, hired to facilitate high-altitude climbers on a mountaineering expedition, lost his life after falling into a ravine while climbing K2, the world’s second tallest peak, confirmed an official of the company that employed him on Saturday.
Mountain porters play a crucial role in supporting expeditions and treks by carrying heavy loads through challenging terrains and high altitudes.
Their labor conditions have also remained a matter of concern, with issues related to fair wages, adequate equipment, and proper treatment being raised by advocacy groups.
“Muhammad Hassan was a member of our team who was working for us as a high-altitude porter,” Syed Anwer, an official of Lela Peak Expeditions, said while speaking to Arab News. “He lost his life while going for the summit. His foot slipped above the bottleneck and he fell into a ravine.”
“Bottleneck” is a challenging and hazardous section on the climbing route of K2 summit. It is usually described as one of the most notorious and treacherous parts of the ascent by the mountaineering community.
Anwar said Hassan was rescued by climbers who managed to pull him out.
“However, he expired after a few moments,” he added.
The expedition company official said the mountain porter was a resident of Shigar district and joined his team as a new member.
“Although, he had been working in this field, he had not climbed any peaks taller than 8,000 meters,” he continued.
There are a total of 14 recognized 8,000-meter peaks, and all of them are located in the Karakoram and Himalayas.
K2 is part of the former and is nicknamed “the savage mountain” by high-altitude climbers.
