Two Indian tourists who had gone missing in Manang since Kartik 3 (October 19) have been found dead. The deceased have been identified as 52-year-old Jigresh Kumar Lallubhai Patel and 17-year-old Priyansha Kumari Patel, both citizens of India.
According to Chief District Officer (CDO) Nawaraj Paudel, the bodies were discovered on Sunday morning about 100 meters above the Milarepa Monastery area, where they had been buried under snow. The search and rescue team, led by Armed Police Force Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hira Bahadur JC, found the two victims after several days of continuous efforts.
Missing Since October 19 During a Local Hike
The two Indian nationals had been staying at Gyalsen Hotel in Manang Ngisyang Rural Municipality–4. On Kartik 3, they left the hotel to visit Milarepa Monastery in Ward No. 5, a popular local hiking destination. However, they never returned, prompting concern among hotel staff and local authorities.
When the duo failed to return by evening, the hotel management informed the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Mountain Rescue Training Center in Manang. Search operations were immediately initiated, but harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall in the region hampered efforts for several days.
Search and Recovery Operation
After multiple search attempts, the rescue team finally located the bodies beneath thick layers of snow near the trail leading to Milarepa Monastery. “Both victims were found buried in snow approximately 100 meters uphill from the monastery,” said CDO Paudel. He added that the recovery operation was particularly difficult due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures. The bodies were retrieved with the help of local guides and security personnel.
Bodies Being Sent to Kathmandu for Post-Mortem
According to authorities, the bodies have been transported to the Provincial Hospital in Manang for preliminary examination. “We will send them to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu on Monday for post-mortem,” said CDO Paudel. The local administration has been coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to facilitate the necessary legal and diplomatic procedures for the repatriation of the bodies.
A Reminder of Mountain Risks
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by tourists in Nepal’s Himalayan regions during winter, when unexpected snowfall and avalanches are common. Authorities have once again urged trekkers and visitors to exercise caution and to travel only after checking local weather forecasts and taking licensed guides for mountain routes.
The deaths of Jigresh and Priyansha Patel have deeply saddened the local community in Manang, which relies heavily on tourism. Locals and hotel operators have expressed condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized the need for stronger safety measures and timely communication systems in the region. As Nepal continues to welcome adventurers from around the world, this incident underscores the importance of preparedness, coordination, and caution while exploring the high-altitude trails of the Himalayas.
