Rajan Pokhrel

Kathmandu, May 9:

Are you planning an adventure alone? You have an incredible lesson to learn. The locals of Namche in Solukhumbu district rescued a French national on Friday evening who went missing for the past six days during his solo trip.

Pierre Sibille (known as Peitro), 54, from Paris was in a critical condition when rescued in Thame area. On April 30, he had tumbled from the precipice into a gorge 30 ft below. He sustained severe injury on his leg and back and is unable to move without help.

Pierre has been staying in Namche for the past three weeks. “We started searching for him when he did not return for three days. After searching for more than three days we found him inside a gorge,” said Angphurba Sherpa of Thamserku View Lodge.

Pierre was brought to the capital yesterday. He has been admitted to Nepal Industrial Clinic. Pierre says he’s given a new lease of life by Namche residents. While talking to this daily he said: “Six nights after the accident were very painful. I almost gave up hope after spending six nights without food and sleep.”

He said he was unconscious for five hours after he tumbled down. It is only after the rainfall in the evening that he regained consciousness. He expressed gratitude to Nepalis for the goodwill and hospitality shown to tourists. “Pleas for help go unheeded even in developed countries. But the Nepalis have been so kind-hearted.”

This is Pierre’s 17th visit who is a computer programmer and fond of adventure tourism. He now plans to stay permanently in Nepal.