Accidents in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary

1970 Bethartoli Himal: While attempting the main peak of Bethartoli Himal, a huge avalanche buried four climbers. The young graduate Nitin Patel, famous Everest climber Ang Kami Sherpa and two high altitude Sherpas – Gnappa and Chewang Phinjo were killed on 5th June. Arun Samant was rescued by experienced Sherpa Pasang Temba.

1970 Tragedy of Bethartoli Himal
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1970 Bethartoli Himal

Nitin Patel in centre, who died

Last shake-hand with Ang Kami as he left

Searching for bodies

1974 Devtoli: While returning from the successful first ascent of Devtoli peak in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Harish fell in a crevasse and dislocated left hip. He was rescued and carried for 13 painful days the base camp. A helicopter rescued him. He spent six weeks in plaster, two years walking on crutches and one month walking with stick. Once recovered fully, within a month he was off to about 200 km trek to Sikkim.

1974 Rescue on Devtoli
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1976 After Devtoli Accident
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