Three youths from Pokhara stranded on Mardi Himal for three days, found safe

KASKI:- Three youths from Pokhara, who had been stranded for three days after losing their way during the Mardi Himal trek in Kaski, have been found safe along the banks of the Modi Khola (river). A rescue team has reached them, and final efforts are underway to bring them to a safe location.

According to Rajendra Chhetri, Ward Chairperson of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-9, direct contact has been established between the rescue team and the youths; both parties are within sight and earshot of each other.

Ajit GC (24), Yukesh Gurung (23), and Dipesh Gurung (23)—residents of Khasibazar in Pokhara Metropolitan City-14—set out for the Mardi Himal trek on Shrawan 19. They remained in contact with their families until around 8:00 AM on Shrawan 20 but lost contact thereafter.

Upon receiving information that they were missing, a local team led by Prem Adhikari, a hotelier from Badaldanda, initiated a search. Subsequently, an extensive search and rescue operation was conducted in coordination with the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army, local representatives, and residents.

During the search, they were located on the far side of the Modi Khola, near Chhumrung Phedi in Annapurna Rural Municipality-11. Preliminary estimates suggest that after losing their way in the Badal Danda area, they traversed dense forests and steep cliffs to reach the banks of the Modi Khola. It is reported that they spent their first night in a cave within the forest.

Although local hoteliers who arrived to assist urged them to use the safer upper route, the rescue operation became more complicated because the individuals descended towards the river via a steep cliff. Subsequently, a joint rescue team was mobilized through the coordination of the Ghandruk Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and Annapurna Rural Municipality.

The extremely high water flow in the Modi River has made safely ferrying them across a challenge. Security personnel are preparing to construct a temporary crossing, divert the water flow to a safer direction, and utilize necessary rescue equipment.

A specialized search and rescue team from the Armed Police Force has now arrived at the scene from Pokhara. According to the police, final efforts are underway to rescue the three youths safely and bring them to a secure location, in coordination with local residents, public representatives, and security personnel. Preliminary reports indicate that the health condition of all three individuals is stable.