Two Japanese mountaineers, Kazuya Hirade and Kenro Nakajima, went missing while attempting to scale the formidable K2 peak in Gilgit Baltistan’s Skardu on Friday.

The incident occurred in the morning at an altitude of around 7,500 metres. The Pakistan Army has started the search operation for the missing climbers.

The treacherous K2 mountain, often referred to as the “Savage Mountain,” is the second-highest peak in the world at 8,611 meters. It is known for its challenging and dangerous conditions, which have claimed the lives of many experienced climbers over the years.

The disappearance of the two Japanese mountaineers on K2 is a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those who attempt to conquer this formidable natural wonder.

The country is home to five of the world’s 14 mountains higher than 8,000 metres – including K2, the world’s second highest.

In 2013, more than 8,900 foreigners visited the remote Gilgit-Baltistan region, according to government figures, where most of the Karakoram range is located, with the summer climbing season running from early June to late August.