A British tourist tragically lost his life while trekking in the Dhauladhar mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India. The incident occurred during a descent to the village of Thathri, near Dharamshala, where the two friends, both aged 27, encountered difficulties that led to a serious fall.
According to local police reports, the pair may not have been aware of a seasonal ban on high-altitude hiking, which is in place during the winter months. This lack of knowledge could have contributed to the unfortunate circumstances they faced while trekking in the challenging terrain.
The UK’s Foreign Office has confirmed that they are providing support to the family of the deceased and are in contact with local authorities regarding the incident. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HP-SDRF) was alerted to the situation on Sunday at approximately 6 PM local time. A team of ten rescuers was dispatched to the area, which was described as having "extremely difficult terrain."
Rescuers located the victims around 10:30 PM, but one of the men was found to be in critical condition. The injured man was transported via stretcher, but the rescue efforts were hampered by slow progress due to the challenging conditions and the increasing fatigue of the rescue teams. The HP-SDRF reported that additional teams were needed to assist in the operation.
After a prolonged effort, both individuals were successfully transported from the site by 5:08 PM on Monday. Unfortunately, upon their arrival at Zonal Hospital in Dharamshala, the injured man was pronounced dead. Local media sources have indicated that he suffered rib injuries as a result of the fall.
The Dhauladhar mountain range is part of the larger Himalayan system, which spans several countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with high-altitude trekking, particularly during the winter months when weather conditions can be treacherous. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of being aware of local regulations and safety advisories when engaging in outdoor activities in such remote areas.
