Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 22:15 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Dec 26, 2025 16:32 [IST]
GEYZING,: A trekker from Uttar Pradesh, Suraj Kumar Tiwari, 45, died while descending the Goechala trekking route in West Sikkim. The incident occurred on Thursday night near the Phedang campsite, close to Tshoka, about 22 kilometres from Yuksam.
Tiwari was part of an eight-day trekking expedition through the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when he fell ill during the return journey on Thursday morning. According to fellow trekkers, he had completed the trek successfully the previous day, but around 9 am near the Kokchurong campsite, he suddenly fell ill and experienced paralysis-like symptoms.
His co-trekkers, along with the trekking guide, administered first aid and sought help from nearby camps. Local trekkers and residents immediately began evacuating Tiwari, carrying him downhill towards Yuksam. Despite extensive rescue efforts, the trekker passed away around 8 am near the Phedang campsite.
The cause of death is suspected to be low blood pressure, although co-trekkers informed that the trekker had no prior history of health issues. The medical officer at Gyalshing district hospital declared him dead on Friday morning. After a post-mortem examination, his body was handed over to his guardian following the necessary formalities.
Suraj Kumar Tiwari is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
This marks the third fatality on the Goechala trekking trail. Previously, a trekker from Kolkata died from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) along the same route, while another local resident from Geyzing also passed away following AMS-related complications.
In light of repeated incidents, local tourism stakeholders in Yuksam have urged the concerned authorities and the State government to strengthen and upgrade medical facilities, emergency response systems, and rescue infrastructure along the Dzongri-Goechala trekking corridor.
