Five trekkers cut off during Himachal trek reach safety

Five trekkers who lost contact with their families amid bad weather in Bara Bhangal reached Holi in the Himachal Pradesh’s Bharmour region safely on October 8, Kangra Superintendent of Police Kulbhushan Verma said.

The trekkers, identified as Ankur Malani, Satyam Sabu, Pranav, Shyam R and Tarun Rathi, aged between 28 and 35, had set out from Bir on October 3 for Bharmour via Bara Bhangal and Thamsar Pass.

Their families alerted the Kangra police after failing to contact them during the trek, prompting the police and district administration to step up efforts to establish communication.

Verma said the Kangra police control room tried to contact Bara Bhangal on October 5, but the satellite phone there was also not working due to bad weather. The District Disaster Management Authority subsequently provided information about the missing contact.

The authorities also attempted to establish communication through the Holi area of Chamba district. A team was dispatched from the Multhan police post towards Bara Bhangal to assist the trekkers if required.

The trekkers later confirmed that they had reached Bara Bhangal on October 5 but remained there for two days due to adverse weather. They resumed their journey after conditions improved and reached Holi on October 8, subsequently contacting their families.

Following the incident, the administration has directed officials to strengthen safety measures along the trekking route from Bir through Palachak, Panhatu, Thamsar Pass and Bara Bhangal towards Dharadi and Bharmour.

Verma said caution boards would be installed near Palachak, advising trekkers to register with the district administration before setting out. The Forest Department team stationed in the area also registers trekkers.

The police have issued directions to trekking guides and travel agents registered with the Tourism Department and the local administration. Verma said the police and district officials would hold a meeting in Multhan to discuss measures to prevent similar incidents.