A German tourist and his Nepali guide, who had gone missing for nearly 24 hours along the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek connecting Myagdi and Mustang districts, were found safe on Saturday night. The duo had lost their way while trekking from the Dhaulagiri Base Camp toward Dhampus Peak in Mustang.
Trekker and Guide Go Missing During Expedition
According to the Mustang District Police Office, the missing individuals were identified as 32-year-old German national Damino Delfaflo and Nepali guide Mima Sherpa. They had been trekking along the Dhaulagiri Circular Trail, a high-altitude and remote trekking route popular among adventure enthusiasts, when they lost contact with their team on Friday night.
The pair was last seen departing from the Dhaulagiri Base Camp area, located in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi district, and were scheduled to reach Dhampus Peak in Thasang Rural Municipality–1, Mustang. When they failed to arrive as expected, concerns grew among the trekking company and local authorities.
Found Safe in Mustang After Losing Trail
Police confirmed that both the missing trekker and guide made contact around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday after reaching Syang village in Gharpajhong Rural Municipality–3, Mustang. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chhiring Kippa Lama informed that the two had taken a wrong route during the night and strayed deep into the forest instead of reaching their planned stop in Marpha. “They missed the main trail at night and ended up in the Syang area after wandering through dense forests,” DSP Lama said.
Helicopter Deployed for Search Operation
The trekking company Seven Summit Treks, which had organized their expedition, launched a search and rescue operation soon after communication was lost. A helicopter was dispatched to the region on Saturday to assist in the search effort, given the challenging terrain and remote location of the route.
Fortunately, before the helicopter could locate them, the duo managed to reach the Syang area safely and reestablish contact with the authorities. Police confirmed that both individuals were unharmed and did not require medical evacuation.
Trekkers Safe, Local Authorities Urge Caution
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is known for its rugged trails, steep passes, and unpredictable weather, making navigation particularly difficult during nighttime. Authorities have reminded trekkers to avoid night travel in remote mountainous sections and to maintain constant communication with their guides and teams. DSP Lama added that although the pair was safe, the incident highlights the need for better safety protocols and communication systems along remote trekking routes like Dhaulagiri and Mustang.
A Relief for Families and Trekking Community
News of the duo’s safe return brought relief to the trekking company, local authorities, and their families. The incident serves as a reminder of both the beauty and the challenges of Nepal’s high-altitude trekking routes, which attract thousands of foreign adventurers each year but also require strict adherence to safety guidelines.
With the tourist season at its peak, authorities have urged all trekking groups to ensure they are properly equipped with navigation tools and emergency communication devices before setting out on long-distance routes such as the Dhaulagiri Circular Trail.
