Sikkim: A 45-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh died while trekking on the Goechala trekking route in Sikkim, police said, marking the third death on the popular trail this year.
Suraj Kumar Tiwari was on an eight-day expedition in Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He had completed the trek and was ascending on Thursday when, around 9 am, he suddenly fell ill near Kokchurong camp, showing symptoms similar to paralysis, a police officer said.
Fellow trekkers and guides administered first aid and, with the assistance of residents, carried him towards Yuksom. However, Tiwari died near the Phedang campsite, at an altitude of 12,100 feet, around 8 pm.
His body was brought to Gyalshing District Hospital on Friday. Following a post-mortem and completion of legal formalities, it was handed over to his family on Saturday. Tiwari is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Tourism stakeholders in Yuksom have urged authorities to strengthen medical facilities and emergency rescue services, particularly along the Dzongri–Goechala corridor, after three deaths this year.
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Earlier incidents involved a trekker from Kolkata and a local from Gyalshing, both of whom died due to acute mountain sickness.
