Body of hiker missing for nearly 30 years found perfectly preserved in glacier

The perfectly preserved remains of a hiker who vanished nearly three decades ago have been discovered frozen in a glacier, bringing closure to a mystery that began in 1997.

Authorities were alerted after an ID card was found on the body bearing the name Naseeruddin. Police then managed to link the remains to a hiker who disappeared in June 1997, reportedly after falling into a glacier crack in Pakistanduring a snowstorm.

Stunned shepherd Omar Khan described his extraordinary discovery to the BBC: "What I saw was unbelievable. The body was intact. The clothes were not even torn." Locals began providing additional details after police confirmed the identity as Naseeruddin. The tale mirrors that of a body discovered after many years following the person being reported missing in the Himalayan mountains.

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It was subsequently revealed that Naseeruddin had a wife and two children. He had been trekking on horseback with his brother Kathiruddin on the day he vanished, reports the Express.

Police explained that a family dispute led the two men to depart home together.

According to his brother, they reached the so-called Lady Valley on the morning of Naseeruddin's disappearance. That afternoon, Naseeruddin entered a cave and never emerged.

Kathiruddin and others searched relentlessly but were unable to locate him.

Almost three decades later, on 1 August, his body was discovered in near-perfect condition, preserved by the glacier's extreme cold, low humidity, reduced oxygen and snow cover - conditions that experts say can naturally mummify human remains for centuries.

Naseeruddin was just 33 when he disappeared and was a member of the Saleh Khel tribe.

DNA tests have been initiated to confirm his identity, although his family and friends have already recognised him due to his remarkably well-preserved facial features.

This discovery has quashed 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 found is known for its pastures, lakes, and forests - a favourite seasonal spot for local herders.

This extraordinary case mirrors a similar find last year in Peru, where the mummified body of climber William Stampfl was discovered encased in ice 22 years after he vanished following an avalanche on Huascaran mountain.

Despite desperate searches at the time, Stampfl's body remained concealed under snow for two decades.