The body of Australian climber Matthew Eakin has been found on the world's second-highest mountain, where he and a Canadian climber went missing over a week ago.
Mr Eakin, from Cumnock, Central West NSW, had been on an expedition with Canadians Richard Cartier and Justin Dube-Fahmy.
Mr Dube-Fahmy, who is reportedly safe, had been keeping a log of the group's K2 trek on Facebook.
He last posted on July 21, stating that the trio was "pretty tired" after 16 hours of climbing.
"Today we touched lower C4 (7,600m). We are heading back to Base Camp tomorrow," he wrote.
"It's starting to get cold. We are pretty tired after these two big days."
While Mr Dube-Fahmy and Mr Cartier turned back and descended from Camp 3, Mr Eakin continued to ascend alone.
He summitted K2 alone late on Saturday afternoon (local time).
According to records, Mr Eakin was descending safely following his summit and was in great spirits.
He continued to be in contact with his team at Base Camp on his descent, and was last heard from at about Japanese Camp 2 where he rested and then continued to descend.
His body was found on Monday morning not far from Advance Base Camp (ABC).
Tributes from friends of Mr Eakin poured in on his Facebook page, with many expressing their heartbreak at his sudden death.
"Gone too soon but you will always be in our heart and memories," one person wrote.
"You've grown your wings way too soon. Love you Matty," another said.
Friend Rob Norman said those who met Mr Eakin had "no doubt come away with a renewed zest for life".
"[He was] a guy that constantly gave his time to others," Mr Norman wrote.
"He lived the life he wanted, wore his heart on his sleeve, made the most out of this precious life we have and always did it with a smile on his face.
"The adventure community and everyone else who crossed paths with Matty have all lost someone special."
Mr Eakin was an experienced climber who had previously trekked K2, in Pakistan, where five of the world's 14 peaks over 8,000 metres are located.
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said consular assistance was being provided to the family of an Australian man who died during a climbing expedition in northern Pakistan.
"We extend our condolences to his family and friends," the spokesperson said.
Deaths are not uncommon on the peak, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world to climb.
