Brave Rescue: Kerala Solo Trekker Saved from Deep Snow in Manali

MANALI, HIMACHAL PRADESH – In a daring high-altitude operation, the Himachal Pradesh Police successfully rescued a 20-year-old trekker from Kerala who became stranded in life-threatening conditions near Beas Kund on Friday. The young adventurer, identified as Arshad Narikkottu Mecheri, a resident of Malappuram, had ventured out on a solo trek before being trapped by heavy snow and freezing temperatures.

The Incident: A Solo Trek Turned Nightmare

Arshad had reportedly set out alone toward the Beas Kund region, a popular but challenging trekking destination in the Kullu district. As he navigated the high-altitude terrain, the weather took a sharp turn for the worse.

The situation became critical when Arshad lost his shoes in the deep, soft snow—some reports suggest they were soaked through or lost during a fall—leaving him unable to walk and vulnerable to severe frostbite. Stuck in snow that reached several feet in depth, the trekker managed to place a distress call to the emergency helpline 112, alerting the local authorities to his location.

The Heroic Rescue Operation

Upon receiving the alert, the Manali Police quickly coordinated a response. Sub-Inspector (SI) Raj Kumar, who was stationed at the nearby Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, led a specialized team into the blizzard-like conditions.

The rescue team tracked Arshad to a remote spot approximately 2 to 3 kilometers above the Dhundi Bridge. Finding him physically incapacitated and shivering in the sub-zero environment, the police officers took immediate action:

• Physical Evacuation: Because the terrain was impassable for vehicles and Arshad could not walk, SI Raj Kumar and his team took turns carrying the trekker on their backs through the treacherous, snow-covered mountain paths.
• Medical Care: He was moved to a safer lower altitude and subsequently transported to a hospital in Manali. Medical officials have since confirmed that his condition is stable and he is recovering from the ordeal.

Official Warnings and Safety Advisories

Following the incident, Manali DSP K.D. Sharma commended the bravery of the rescue team while issuing a stern advisory to tourists and adventure enthusiasts.

“We urge trekkers not to venture into high-altitude areas without professional guides or prior intimation to the local administration,” the DSP stated.

The authorities highlighted several key safety points for the current season:

1. Sudden Weather Changes: March in the Himalayas remains unpredictable, with Western Disturbances often causing sudden, heavy snowfall.
2. Solo Trekking Risks: Solo expeditions are highly discouraged in remote areas where mobile connectivity is spotty and help is hours away.
3. Proper Gear: Ensuring waterproof footwear and thermal layers is non-negotiable for survival in these altitudes.

Current Situation in Manali

The region has seen a surge in snow-related emergencies recently. Just last week, over 1,000 vehicles were stranded near the Atal Tunnel due to unexpected snowstorms, requiring a massive overnight clearing operation by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local police.

As the trekking season picks up, the Himachal Pradesh government is considering stricter monitoring of trekking routes to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of visitors coming from across the country.