Sikkim mourns loss of mountaineer Ashal Rai during Nun Kun expedition in Ladakh
The tragedy occurred during the ascent on July 15, according to sources familiar with the expedition. Two other mountaineers from Sikkim were also part of the team, though their condition has not been reported as critical.
LOCAL
Ashal Rai, a seasoned mountaineer from Sikkim and instructor at the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco Tourism (IHCAE), Namchi, passed away while attempting to scale Nun Kun peak in Ladakh.
Rai, a resident of Lower Chemchey, was part of a fifteen-member team on an advanced mountaineering expedition. The tragedy occurred during the ascent on July 15, according to sources familiar with the expedition. Two other mountaineers from Sikkim were also part of the team, though their condition has not been reported as critical.
Authorities at IHCAE have confirmed the unfortunate news and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their most dedicated instructors. Ashal Rai was widely respected for his skill, discipline, and passion for training young climbers in the region. His death has cast a pall of gloom over the state’s adventure sports fraternity.
Efforts are currently underway to retrieve and bring back his body to Sikkim for final rites. Officials from the Centre, along with local authorities, are coordinating with teams in Ladakh to ensure a safe and respectful repatriation.