Doctor-Turned-Mountaineer Missing in Nepal Floods

Dr. Milind P. Chitley, a former physician who transitioned to a renowned mountaineer and founder of Hills and Trails, is reported missing following flash floods in Nepal. Dr. Chitley, in his 60s, was guiding a group of approximately 40 pilgrims on the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage when communication was lost. This group included prominent Mumbai doctors, Dr. Gayatri and Dr. Anand Deshpande, and senior citizens like Sunil S. Subhedar and Chetna Gupta.

The Nepal government has stated that 178 Indians are currently missing due to the disaster. Dr. Chitley, who had completed over 25 Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimages, was traveling with his wife, Janhavi, on this particular tour, which commenced on August 23 and was scheduled to conclude on September 6. The tour was coordinated with Nepal-based Richa Tours and Travels.

Families of the missing individuals have been unable to establish contact since communication ceased. Maithili Mundale, niece of the Deshpandes, last spoke to them on a Sunday prior to the communication loss. Similarly, Swanand Subhedar last heard from his father, Sunil S. Subhedar, on August 26, who was en route to China for the pilgrimage. Chetna Gupta's husband, Anand Gupta, last communicated with her as her group was approaching an immigration center.

Dr. Chitley's extensive mountaineering career spans over three decades, with accomplishments including leading expeditions and authoring a book on mountain first aid. He received the Girimitra Award in 2005 for his contributions to mountaineering. The search for the missing individuals is ongoing as concerns grow for their well-being.