The perfectly preserved remains of a hiker who vanished nearly three decades ago have been discovered frozen inside a glacier, bringing closure to a mystery that began all the way back in 1997
The perfectly preserved remains of a hiker who disappeared more than 25 years ago have been found frozen in a glacier, solving a mystery that began in 1997.
The authorities were alerted after an ID card bearing the name Naseeruddin was discovered on the body. Police were then able to connect the remains to a hiker who vanished in June 1997, reportedly after falling into a glacier crevice in Pakistan during a snowstorm.
Shepherd Omar Khan described his astonishing discovery to the BBC, sharing: “What I saw was unbelievable. The body was intact. The clothes were not even torn.”
After the police confirmed the identity as Naseeruddin, locals started providing more details about why his story sadly ended the way it did.
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Naseeruddin, who had a wife and two children, had been trekking on horseback with his brother Kathiruddin on the day he disappeared, as previously reported by the Express.
The police stated that a family disagreement had led the two men to leave home together. According to Kathiruddin, they reached the so-called Lady Valley on the morning of Naseeruddin’s disappearance. That afternoon, Naseeruddin went into a cave and never came out.
Despite relentless searching by Kathiruddin and others, they were unable to find him. Nearly 30 years later, on August 1 of this year, Naseeruddin’s body was found in near-perfect condition, preserved by the glacier’s extreme cold, low humidity, reduced oxygen and snow cover – conditions experts say can naturally mummify human remains for centuries.
Naseeruddin was only 33 when he vanished and belonged to the Saleh Khel tribe. DNA tests were arranged to confirm his identity; however, his family and friends were able to recognise him regardless due to his remarkably well-preserved facial features.
This discovery has put an end to previous speculation that Naseeruddin may have been killed during his journey. After years of uncertainty, his family finally have closure.
The Kohistan region, where he was discovered, is known for its pastures, lakes, and forests – a favourite seasonal spot for local herders.
This extraordinary case echoes a similar find last year in Peru, where the mummified body of climber William Stampfl was discovered encased in ice 22 years after he disappeared following an avalanche on Huascaran mountain.
Despite desperate searches at the time, Stampfl’s body remained hidden under snow for two decades.
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