Three trekkers who went missing while returning from the Mardi Himal trekking route in Kaski district have been rescued safely after an overnight search and rescue operation carried out by Nepal’s security agencies.
According to the Kaski District Police Office, the missing trekkers, Ajit G.C., Yukesh Gurung, and Karan Lama, all residents of Khase Bazaar, Ward No. 14 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, were located on Thursday morning at Chhumrung Bensi in Annapurna Rural Municipality–11.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Birendra Kumar Paswan confirmed that all three trekkers were found in good health and were being safely escorted from the area.
Trekkers Lost Their Way Near Badaldanda
The trekkers reportedly became disoriented while descending from the Mardi Himal trekking trail after losing their way in the dense forest near Badaldanda in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality–9.
Concern grew after the trio lost mobile connectivity and could not be reached from around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Their family members subsequently informed the police, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
Security Agencies Launch Joint Rescue Mission
Following the missing persons report, a coordinated rescue effort was launched involving the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force (APF). Rescue personnel searched the rugged forest terrain throughout the night to locate the missing trekkers before weather conditions could deteriorate further.
Police Inspector Rajendra Paudel of the Ghandruk Police Post said the trekkers were eventually located on the opposite bank of the Modi Khola at Chhumrung Bensi after they had unintentionally strayed from the designated trekking route while passing through the forest.
Authorities Urge Youth to Prioritize Safety
The incident highlights the challenges of trekking in Nepal’s mountainous regions, particularly in remote forested areas where dense vegetation, changing weather, and limited mobile network coverage can make navigation difficult.
Authorities have urged trekkers to carry proper route information, use navigation tools where possible, keep communication devices charged, and inform family members, trekking agencies, or local authorities about their travel itinerary before embarking on high-altitude treks.
Swift Rescue Prevents Serious Incident
The successful rescue operation demonstrates the effective coordination among Nepal’s security agencies and their rapid response in ensuring the safety of youth visiting the country’s popular Himalayan trekking destinations.
With all three trekkers found safe and unharmed, the operation concluded on a positive note, preventing what could have developed into a far more serious emergency in one of Nepal’s most visited trekking regions.
