Two Spanish Tourists Missing During Ghorepani Trek in Nepal

Two Spanish tourists, a man named Erik Kasanovas and a woman named Molass Missy, have gone missing while trekking to Ghorepani, a popular tourist destination in Nepal. The pair was last seen heading towards Ghorepani from Tikhedhunga in Annapurna Rural Municipality-9 of Kaski district via Ulleri on Sunday, according to Bharat Man Gurung, spokesperson for the rural municipality.

The tourists reportedly lost contact with others during their trek, raising concerns about their safety. Later on Sunday evening, two unattended bags were discovered near the Bhurungdi River Bridge, a location along the old trekking route. The discovery has led authorities to suspect that the tourists might have been swept away by the river.

“They had registered their names at the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) check post in Birethanti, indicating their destination as Ghorepani on Sunday morning,” Gurung said. “We fear they might have fallen into the flooded river after possibly slipping while taking photographs at a stream.”

The location where their bags were found is known for its scenic beauty, attracting many to stop and take photos. During the search operation, a joint team of police, locals, and representatives also found two walking sticks near the site, further indicating the possible mishap.

Efforts to locate the missing tourists are ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to cover all possible areas where the two might have gone off-track. The concerned embassy has been informed about the situation, and coordination is underway to assist in the search efforts.

The Ghorepani trek is known for its stunning views and challenging terrain, but it also poses risks, especially during times of heavy rainfall when streams and rivers can become dangerously swollen. The incident highlights the importance of safety precautions and staying on marked trails during such treks.