Trekking porter missing in Khumbu region for five days
Search efforts continue as family and villagers join operations amid heavy snowfall and poor visibility in the high Himalaya
A trekking porter has gone missing in the Mera Peak area for five days, local officials said, amid ongoing search efforts in the high Himalaya.
Eighteen-year-old Pramish Rai of Sotang Rural Municipality–2 has been unaccounted for since May 30, according to Durga Prasad Khaling, a local ward member.
Officials said Rai lost his way while returning after completing a trekking assignment. Another member of his group was separated during heavy snowfall. One of them has since been found, but Rai remains missing.
Khaling said Rai had reached the Mera Peak area as a porter but has remained out of contact despite continued search operations. “His relatives and villagers from our ward have gone out in search of him, but he has not been found yet,” he told Everest Chronicle.
He added that Rai was young and inexperienced, and that heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions likely contributed to his disorientation.
Mera Peak (6,476 meters) lies in Mahakulung Rural Municipality–1, adjacent to Sotang in Solukhumbu District. Both municipalities are remote, with many residents from indigenous communities who work in trekking and mountaineering support roles, including as porters.
The disappearance marks the second incident in the Khumbu region during the busy spring climbing season. On Monday, a climbing guide from Gudel village died after falling while en route to Everest Base Camp.
Mera Peak is frequently used by climbers for acclimatization before summit attempts on Everest.
