Search Operation Resumes for Missing Shimla Mountaineer on Friendship Peak

Kullu, Sept. 17 – The search operation for a Shimla-based mountaineer who went missing while attempting to scale Friendship Peak in November last year has resumed. After an exhaustive search operation spanning nearly five days at an altitude of 17,346 feet in the Friendship Peak region, the rescue team returned empty-handed. The joint rescue team, consisting of members from the Atal Bihari Mountaineering Institute Manali and other organizations, is once again attempting to locate the missing mountaineer.

The mountaineer, Ashutosh, went missing along with his friend during a mountaineering expedition to Friendship Peak in Shimla last November. Despite extensive search efforts over ten days at the time, the mountaineers could not be located. The search involved multiple organizations, including the Atal Bihari Mountaineering Institute, Tiranga Mountain Rescue Team, Dogra Scouts, and ITBP.

Though some of the mountaineer’s equipment and personal belongings were found during the initial search, there was no trace of Ashutosh. Harsh weather conditions forced the rescue teams to suspend their operations.

Now, a renewed search operation has begun to locate Ashutosh. A team of 12 members embarked on this search mission on September 9, 2023. They utilized Lady Leg, a ridge, to reach the other side of Friendship Peak and commence the search. The Atal Bihari Mountaineering Institute Manali is leading this latest search mission.

Avinaash Negi, the director of the institute, has informed that the rescue team has returned without any success so far in finding Ashutosh. The search operation will now continue on the other side of the peak in the hopes of discovering any trace of the missing mountaineer.