Mysuru: A trek to Gangotri through the Kalindi Khal Pass in Uttarakhand (Badrinath) turned into a nightmare for a team of five doctors, including Dr. Shivanand, Associate Professor at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Mysuru, after they were stranded in heavy snow for nearly three days before being rescued.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this noon over the phone while travelling towards Dehradun, Dr. Shivanand said the team, including four doctors from Bengaluru, was trekking towards Gangotri through Kalindi Khal Pass when the weather suddenly changed, leaving them stranded in the snow.

“The authorities had provided us with a satellite phone, through which we were able to contact them. However, due to bad weather, they could not immediately launch a rescue operation. We had to wait for three days before being airlifted and taken to Harshil, about 30 km from Gangotri,” he said.

“We are thankful to Uttarakhand Government, State Disaster Management team and the Indian Army for rescuing us. Any further delay could have cost us our lives,” Dr. Shivanand added.

The team had embarked on an 11-day trek to Gangotri. Dr. Shivanand had left Mysuru on Sept. 15.

It may be recalled, Dr. Shivanand had gone missing in August 2021, only to return later. Following his return, it was reported that he had made a personal visit to Dharmasthala without informing his family. His wife had also lodged a complaint with the V.V. Puram Police.