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Hussain, in his early thirties, was a Pakistani climber who is presumed dead along with the expedition leader Austrian Gerfried Göschl and Swiss Cedric Hahlen on Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak).

For Hussain, this was a special climb as he had joined the team as an ‘equal team member’ as opposed to the usual position of porter. Göschl, with whom he was friend since 2003, had also promised to help him with his Nepal trip in the future.

Facing the harshest of weather in the most godforsaken terrain, Hussain joined Goschl for a conquest of Gasherbrum with stars in his eyes.

Only a few days ago, a Polish team had climbed GI, its first ascent in winters and things looked positive for the trio. Sadly their quest ended in disaster. Bad weather, with winds reaching the speed of 150 kilometres per hour and temperatures plunging below minus 40 degrees, it seemed impossible. The three were last seen on March 9 some 250m below the summit and the search and rescue mission was finally called off on March 14 at the request of Göschl’s brother.

Not many Pakistanis are aware of the achievements of Hussain. Born on July 16, 1980, Hussain hailed from Sadpara, a remote village in Skardu known for its strong porters who assisted mountaineering expeditions that came to Pakistan.

From herding goats and yaks to help his parents with chores, he quit his studies after high school and joined his father to supplement the family income. Starting out as a mountain guide and high altitude porter (HAP), soon he was climbing with some of the most renowned climbers from all over the world.

“I still remember how he struggled to share his hopes with us due to his limited English vocabulary but we could all see that he dreamed big and was passionate about climbing.

His eyes shone like crazy when he discussed his plans. More than that, his enthusiasm and support made it easy for me and my friends to trek – and reading about his death makes me sad. I wish we remember Hussain as a hero in his own right. May his soul rest in peace,” said Sara K, a German-Pakistani who was part of a group that was guided by Hussain.

His big day came when he climbed GII (8,035m), his first 8,000m peak. On his website, a simply worded note describes what he felt:

“In 1999 I was hired by a South Korean Expedition to G-II (8,035m), led by Mr Lee Sang Bae, and it remained successful as well. It was my very first experience to be at an altitude of more than 8000m peak. As a small boy, the Koreans never believed me to have done Sia Kangri. At one point they were discussing about [sic] sending me back from the Base Camp as I was too young and inexperienced to attempt on [sic] an eight thousander. Before and even at the BC, I was tested in several ways if I was really fit and if I have some know-how of mountaineering. The day, when I returned from the Camp-I, they were happy and satisfied and apologised for demanding a replacement.”