In a tragic incident during the annual Badimalika pilgrimage in Bajura district, a 52-year-old devotee lost his life after falling from a cliff while returning from the revered Badimalika Temple to Nateshwori. The deceased has been identified as Biplav Ojha, a resident of Gokarneshwor Municipality–5, Kathmandu.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Iqbal Hawari from the District Police Office, Ojha had completed his visit to the Badimalika temple and was en route to Nateshwori on Thursday evening when the fatal accident occurred. The incident took place around 7 PM near Bisenepani, a steep section of the pilgrimage trail known for its narrow and slippery pathways.
Ojha reportedly slipped and fell down a cliff into a gorge, where he was later found lifeless. The discovery of the body was made under challenging conditions, and due to the time of the accident, late in the evening, and continuous rainfall in the area, authorities were unable to retrieve the body from the gorge immediately.
Rescue Operation Hampered by Adverse Weather
DSP Hawari confirmed that the rescue operation has been significantly delayed by inclement weather and difficult terrain. “The body was found stuck in the stream below, but we were unable to recover it due to darkness and heavy rain,” he said.
Efforts were made to arrange for a rescue via a Nepal Army helicopter. However, the prevailing poor weather conditions in the high-altitude region made aerial evacuation impossible. With the terrain already treacherous due to constant rain, ground-based recovery also remains risky and complex.
Rescue teams, including Nepal Police and local volunteers, are on standby, waiting for weather conditions to improve so they can safely retrieve the body and complete necessary formalities. As of now, the area continues to witness persistent rainfall, further complicating the situation.
Spiritual Journey Turns Fatal Amid Challenging Terrain
Badimalika Temple, perched at an altitude of over 4,200 meters in western Nepal, is a significant spiritual site for Hindu devotees. Each year during the Badimalika Mela, thousands of pilgrims trek through remote and challenging landscapes to pay homage to the goddess. The journey, while spiritually fulfilling, is physically demanding and fraught with risks, especially during the monsoon season when trails become slippery and prone to landslides.
Pilgrims often travel in large groups, many without sufficient mountaineering preparation or appropriate gear, which increases vulnerability to accidents. The route from Badimalika to Nateshwori, though scenic, includes numerous cliffs, sharp turns, and slippery stretches that become dangerous during rain. The incident has once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures and better emergency preparedness along high-altitude religious trails in Nepal.
Authorities Urge Caution for Pilgrims and Trekking Groups
Following the incident, local authorities have issued an advisory urging pilgrims to take extra precautions while traversing the trails around Badimalika, especially during the monsoon period. DSP Hawari emphasized the importance of traveling in groups, using proper hiking gear, and avoiding nighttime travel in high-risk areas.
Efforts are also underway to coordinate with provincial authorities and rescue agencies to enhance medical and emergency response infrastructure in remote pilgrimage routes. “We are working closely with the Nepal Army and other agencies to ensure that such tragic incidents can be responded to more swiftly in the future,” Hawari said.
Calls for Long-Term Safety Infrastructure Along Pilgrimage Routes
As high-altitude religious tourism continues to grow in Nepal, calls are mounting for the government and local authorities to invest in long-term infrastructure, such as handrails, emergency shelters, and medical aid stations, along key pilgrimage trails like Badimalika.
Tourism and religious scholars have emphasized that while these routes hold great spiritual value, they must also be made physically safe for devotees of all ages and backgrounds. The tragedy involving Biplav Ojha serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers involved and the urgent need for proactive intervention.
