Dharamshala, India – A British tourist has died while trekking in the Himalayan mountains of northern India after suffering a critical fall in rugged terrain, local emergency services confirmed.
The man, whose identity has not yet been formally released, was hiking the Triund trek near Thathri village in Dharamshala alongside a fellow British companion when he fell during their descent.
His friend rushed to seek help, initiating a complex and prolonged rescue operation that ultimately proved unsuccessful in saving his life.
According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), authorities received a distress call at approximately 18:00 local time on Sunday, prompting the dispatch of a 10-member rescue team to the mountainous region.
After a challenging four-hour trek, rescuers located the two men at 22:30. The injured trekker was found in critical condition, prompting immediate efforts to transport him down the mountain on a stretcher.
Rescuers detailed the extreme difficulties they encountered during the evacuation, citing the rugged terrain and repeated river crossings that severely slowed their progress.
“The rough terrain and repeated crossings of a rivulet made progress extremely slow, requiring nearly two hours to cover just 100 meters,” the SDRF stated on X, formerly Twitter.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, additional backup teams were deployed in the morning to assist with the descent.
The rescue team continued to face significant obstacles, including the steep landscape, which necessitated multiple anchorings of the stretcher to prevent further injury.
By the time the man was finally brought to a hospital at 17:08 on Monday, nearly 24 hours after the rescue operation began, he was declared dead on arrival. His companion was unharmed, authorities confirmed.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has since acknowledged the incident and stated, “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in India and are in contact with the local authorities.”
The Triund trek, a popular yet demanding 7km (4.3 miles) route situated in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range, is known for its breathtaking views but also its challenging conditions.
According to local reports, the two British tourists were unaware of a temporary ban on high-altitude trekking imposed by the Kangra district authorities. The pair had reached the snowline, an area where snow remains year-round, before the tragic fall occurred.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with trekking in remote and high-altitude areas, particularly for those unfamiliar with the region’s risks.
Local authorities have urged trekkers to adhere to safety advisories and to ensure they are adequately prepared for the harsh conditions of the Himalayas.
As the investigation into the circumstances of the accident continues, the victim’s family awaits formal identification and further details regarding repatriation efforts.
Meanwhile, authorities reiterate the importance of respecting local regulations and seeking proper guidance before embarking on treks in hazardous regions.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by adventurers in some of the world’s most challenging landscapes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
