The trekking community was left reeling after a tragic incident in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district claimed the lives of nine trekkers and left six others shocked and injured. The harrowing ordeal unfolded when the group lost their way due to inclement weather and found themselves trapped while en route to Sahastra Tal (lake) on June 4.
S Srivatsa, Secretary of the Karnataka Mountaineering Association (KMA), provided a chilling account of the survivors’ experience as they grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy. He described how the survivors, shocked and shattered, sat with the bodies of their nine companions for nearly 36 hours, waiting for help amidst the bleak conditions.
The survivors recalled the treacherous conditions they faced, with heavy winds causing their gear to fly away and visibility dropping to zero. Seeking shelter next to a large boulder, they battled exhaustion, hypothermia, and oxygen deprivation. Four trekkers collapsed initially, followed by five others as conditions worsened.
Despite carrying food supplies, the trekkers were unable to eat due to the relentless winds impeding their efforts. It was only with the assistance of a guide and other mountaineers from the lower camp, who sent additional tents and hot water, that the remaining survivors managed to endure the ordeal.
Among those who tragically lost their lives was 71-year-old Asha Sudhakar, a seasoned KMA member known for her treks alongside her husband, S Sudhakar, who led the ill-fated expedition but survived the calamity.
Srivatsa emphasized that the group consisted of physically fit and experienced trekkers, ranging from 34 to 71 years old, and attributed the tragedy solely to the severe weather conditions. He highlighted the meticulous preparations undertaken by the trekkers, including mandatory local treks for physical fitness and regular meetings to discuss expedition plans.
The sequence of events leading up to the tragedy involved establishing a camp at Sahastra Tal before adverse weather conditions forced the group to seek shelter at a boulder. Following the distress call, rescue efforts were coordinated with the help of government officials, resulting in the successful evacuation of 13 survivors.
While the survivors expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts, they also mourned the loss of their friends and struggled to come to terms with the tragic turn of events. The bodies of the deceased were sent to Bengaluru after post-mortem examinations, marking a somber end to what was meant to be a memorable trekking expedition.
Sources By Agencies
