A young trekker from Bhaktapur lost his life due to altitude sickness while trekking along the Manaslu Circuit Trail toward Larke Pass in northern Gorkha. According to the District Police Office, Gorkha, 23-year-old Rohan Prajapati, a resident of Madhyapur Municipality, Bhaktapur, died on Thursday afternoon after suffering from severe altitude sickness near Dharamsala, located in Chumnubri Rural Municipality–1.
Police spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raj Kumar Shrestha confirmed the incident, stating that Prajapati was trekking with a group of friends toward Larke Pass when he began experiencing breathing difficulties.
Despite efforts to help him, his condition deteriorated rapidly. “Prajapati suffered from altitude sickness while attempting to cross Larke Pass. He could not survive the condition. The remaining four members of the group have safely descended toward Manang,” DSP Shrestha said. Authorities reported that Prajapati’s body has been brought to Samagaun and arrangements are underway to airlift it to Kathmandu by helicopter for further procedures.
Risk of Altitude Sickness in High Himalayan Trails
The Manaslu Circuit, one of Nepal’s most scenic yet challenging trekking routes, passes through rugged terrain and reaches elevations above 5,100 meters at Larke Pass. Altitude sickness, locally known as lekh lagne, is a common and sometimes fatal risk for trekkers who ascend too quickly without proper acclimatization.
Tourism officials have repeatedly urged trekkers to take necessary precautions, including gradual ascent, hydration, and acclimatization rest days, while trekking in high-altitude regions like Manaslu, Everest, and Annapurna.
Reminder for Safety and Preparedness
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and awareness among trekkers, especially during the autumn trekking season, when routes like Manaslu attract both domestic and international travelers. Local authorities have advised trekking agencies and guides to ensure proper health checks and oxygen support systems during expeditions in remote areas.
The Manaslu region, located in northern Gorkha bordering Tibet, remains one of Nepal’s prized adventure destinations, but its remoteness and harsh conditions demand careful planning and emergency readiness. As Nepal’s trekking season reaches its peak, safety remains the top priority for tourism and rescue officials working to prevent such incidents in the future.
