MUSTANG, APRIL 27

An Indian tourist has died of suspected high-altitude sickness in Jomsom, Mustang, highlighting ongoing health risks for pilgrims visiting high Himalayan destinations.

The deceased has been identified as 63-year-old Bhanu Maththhi from Tamil Nadu, India. He was part of a 24-member Indian group that had travelled to Mustang to visit the Muktinath Temple.

According to the District Police Office, Mustang, Maththhi experienced breathing difficulties while getting off a bus in front of a hotel in Jomsom on Sunday. He was immediately rushed to the Provincial Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

With this incident, eight people-including five foreign nationals, mostly Indian tourists-have died of altitude-related complications in Mustang district since last September. Authorities have urged visitors, particularly those arriving from lower altitudes, to take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness.

(With input from RSS)