Alexander Harris, a 30-year-old British national from Birmingham, died after falling into a ravine on Pakistan's Musa Ka Musalla mountain. His body was discovered on Sunday, September 1, 2026, at the bottom of a ravine in an area known as Paracha Jungle, a dense region not typically frequented by locals.
Harris had embarked on the trek up the 13,000-foot (4,000m) mountain on Saturday morning with a friend, Alun David Cooper Cledwyn. The pair reportedly separated during their descent from the peak, which is also referred to as 'Moses's Prayer Mat.' Concerns for Harris's safety arose when he failed to return to base camp.
A large-scale search operation involving hundreds of police officers and volunteers commenced on Sunday, utilizing both foot patrols and drones. Harris's body was found approximately 200 feet (70m) down a steep ravine. Organizers from his running club, Margalla Trail Runners, believe he may have slipped from a ridge while descending.
Javed Ali Noonari, an organizer for Margalla Trail Runners and described by Harris as a 'younger brother,' suggested that mist and rain likely impaired visibility, contributing to the fall. "It was raining hard... The weather was misty and cloudy," Noonari stated. He added that the specific trail from which Harris fell was not a commonly used route, even by local hikers.
According to Noonari, locals observed Harris and Cledwyn together at the summit around 12:30 p.m. and later approximately 1,000 meters below the summit in an area called Gali. The separation is believed to have occurred at a point known as Khori.
Cledwyn reached the village of Mandagucha in Siran Valley, their lodging area, around 5 p.m., but Harris did not arrive. Cledwyn then alerted authorities, initiating the search the following morning.
While Harris was an experienced endurance runner and trekker, it was not his first time on Musa Ka Musalla, having previously climbed it via a different route in June 2024. Noonari noted that while the normal trail is accessible to beginners, venturing off it can lead to steep and treacherous cliffs.
Khalid Iqbal, the Mansehra deputy commissioner, mentioned that Harris had declined an offer for a guide and security, stating he was familiar with the area. He also indicated a difference in speed between the two trekkers, with Harris moving ahead.
Harris had been residing in Islamabad, where he worked for the global advisory firm Adam Smith International. Tributes from his running clubs and employer have highlighted his deep affection for Pakistan, its culture, and its natural beauty. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing support to Harris's family and is in contact with local authorities. The family has requested that data from Harris's GPS watch be analyzed to clarify the circumstances of his fall.