Incident Overview
A 27-year-old British tourist has died following a fall during a trek in the Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal Pradesh, India. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, as the man and a fellow British companion were descending towards the village of Thathri. The pair were reportedly unaware of a local ban on high-altitude trekking during the winter season.
Rescue Operation
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HP-SDRF) received an emergency call on Sunday evening and deployed a 10-member team to the location. Due to the challenging terrain, it took rescuers approximately four hours to reach the injured man, who was in critical condition. The evacuation process was arduous, requiring additional teams to assist due to fatigue and difficult conditions. The rescue operation concluded nearly 24 hours later, but the injured tourist was pronounced dead upon arrival at Zonal Hospital in Dharamshala on Monday.
Advisory for Trekkers
Local authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to seasonal guidelines and restrictions, noting that high-altitude treks above 3,000 meters are prohibited during the winter months due to severe weather and heavy snowfall. Trekkers are urged to consult local authorities and ensure they are aware of any restrictions before embarking on such expeditions.
Official Response
The UK’s Foreign Office has confirmed 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 identity of the deceased has not been publicly disclosed.
