NEW DELHI: A group of Malaysian hikers who faced a daunting situation on a mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh, India due to heavy rain have described their experience as a thrilling adventure. They departed for Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 14), marking the end of their eventful journey. Despite encountering challenging weather conditions, the hikers remain undeterred and plan to return to India for more adventures.
The group arrived in India on June 30 to embark on a 12-day trekking expedition. Unfortunately, the weather worsened during the final stage of their itinerary. “The first three days were perfect. However, once we reached Hampta Pass, we faced continuous rainfall for three days, making river crossings impossible due to dangerous currents,” said Siew Wey Tyng, the group leader, in an interview with Bernama.
The Hampta Pass trek is a popular choice amongst both local and foreign hikers. Comprising of 10 Malaysians, a British friend, and a Chinese national married to a Malaysian, the group has a diverse composition, with the youngest member being 38 years old and the oldest being 65.
The relentless rain had wreaked havoc on their camp sites and rendered river crossings perilous. On July 11, the hikers lost contact with their families while attempting to exit the mountain pass. Concerned about their welfare, their families sought assistance from the Malaysian High Commission. Local trek operators collaborated diligently to ensure the group’s safe return.
Although they were unable to access mobile networks, the hikers received aid from local guides through the use of walkie-talkies. “A team of 20 guides worked together and eventually set up a zip line for us to cross the water,” stated Siew.
Finally, on Wednesday, the Malaysian group arrived in Manali town. Thanks to the coordination between the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi and Indian authorities, the hikers were located at their hotel. Subsequently, they faced a rigorous journey spanning over 500 km and taking 21 hours to reach New Delhi via Chandigarh. The second leg of their journey from Chandigarh involved separate drivers and vehicles.
Recent heavy monsoon rains in northern India have resulted in swollen rivers, landslides, and floods, exacerbating the hikers’ challenging situation. “The journey was arduous. At one point, the main road had collapsed, leading us to take a detour through a narrow hilly road. The Malaysian High Commission provided unwavering support and kept in constant contact with us,” shared Siew.
The group was warmly received by Malaysian charge d’affaires Amizal Fadzli Rajali and second secretary Jefri Harun at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Despite their harrowing experience, the hikers expressed their determination to explore more of India’s captivating landscapes. “Hampta Pass is a beautiful place. Unfortunately, we were there at the wrong time. Nevertheless, this has not dampened our spirits, and we anticipate discovering more enchanting destinations in India,” affirmed Siew.- Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
