An investigation has been launched into the death of a Pakistani porter near the peak of the world’s most treacherous mountain, a mountaineer has said.

A climber from Pakistan and another from Iran are thought to be the first women from their countries to reach the top of K2, one of the world’s highest and most dangerous summits.

An aerial search is continuing for three experienced climbers who lost contact with base camp during their ascent of the world’s second highest mountain, K2, officials said.

A team of 10 Nepalese climbers who became the first to scale the world’s second highest peak during the harsh winter season have received a hero’s welcome on return home to Nepal.