UK tourist dies, another injured in trekking mishap near Dharamshala

Dharamshala: A trekking expedition in the Dhauladhar mountains near Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh turned tragic for two tourists from the United Kingdom as one of them, Thomas Harry, lost his life, while the other, Robert John Emerton, sustained injuries.

According to police reports, both tourists had set out on a trek from Triund but deviated from the usual route, reaching Thathri while following the Dhauladhar snowline.

While returning to Dharamshala, one of them suffered a fall and sustained serious injuries. The duo immediately contacted the local police for assistance.

A rescue operation was launched on Sunday evening and their location was identified the same night. However, by the time they were brought back to Dharamshala on Monday, Thomas Harry succumbed to his injuries.

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Robert John Emerton was admitted to the Zonal Hospital in Dharamshala, said an official.

Rescue and investigation underway

Kangra Superintendent of Police Shalini Agnihotri confirmed that the incident was reported by foreign nationals, prompting an immediate response from the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

She stated that efforts were made to bring the tourists back safely, but one of them passed away before getting medical assistance.

The exact cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination, though initial findings suggest that the victim fell from a steep slope. The authorities are investigating whether the tourists had taken necessary precautions and followed safety guidelines.

Tourists unaware of trekking restrictions

Both travellers had arrived in India on a tourist visa and had been in Dharamshala for just two days before embarking on the trek. Preliminary inquiries indicate they were unaware of the seasonal restrictions on trekking in high-altitude areas.

Currently, trekking above 3,000 metres in the region, including Triund and surrounding areas, is banned due to winter hazards. Heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions pose significant risks to hikers.

TNR