Manang, 5 May: Akash Tamang, who died after falling from a cliff while collecting yarsagumba at Tangche Kharka in the northern region of Manang, was cremated at the site after his body could not be retrieved.
As Tamang had fallen into a gorge from a cliff at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, even with the assistance of security personnel and a helicopter, recovery of the body was not possible, leading to the final rites being performed at the same location
According to Manang’s Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya, Tamang had fallen into a deep gorge at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Rescue teams, including personnel from all three security agencies, were dispatched to the location. However, even with the support of a helicopter, recovery of the body was deemed impossible due to the difficult terrain.
“The rescue team could not see any possibility of retrieving the body, and even with aerial support, access to the site was not feasible. Therefore, in the presence of the deceased’s family and relatives, a formal report was prepared, and the security team returned,” Acharya said.
Communication with the rescue team had been lost since Sunday afternoon due to the remote, high-altitude location and lack of connectivity in the area. Only on Monday did the team arrive in Chame after performing the final rites at the site under the supervision of the family.
Akash Tamang, who was collecting yarsagumba at Tangche Kharka in Narphu Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 of Manang, tragically fell from a cliff and died. On the 15th of Baisakh, Akash, along with a group of six others from Gangajamuna Municipality Ward No. 1 in Dhading, had gone to collect yarsagumba.
The following day, on the 16th of Baisakh, Akash went missing. After a search by his group, his body was discovered at the base of the cliff. His brother, Rohit, reported the incident to the Meta Manang Police Station on the 19th of Baisakh, stating that Akash had been found dead after falling.
In response, a five-member team was dispatched under the command of Lila Bahadur Thapa from the Meta Police Station. Additionally, a 10-member rescue team with necessary materials was sent from the District Police Office under the command of Police Sub-Inspector Om Bahadur Thapa.
The rescue team returned from the site at Tangche Kharka in Narphu Rural Municipality-2 after it became clear that Akash Tamang’s body, located in the middle of the cliff, could not be retrieved. The team had been deployed from Hulaki Odar but had to return to their base after determining that the body could not be safely recovered.
Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya stated, “An emergency meeting of the District Security Committee was held on the 20th of Baisakh, and a team of four was sent from Meta, Chame. Out of those, only six security personnel were able to reach the site. Thirteen people, including family members who had been waiting with the body, were also present at the site.”
Acharya added, “The area above 5,000 meters had fog, strong winds, and falling rocks. Akash’s brother and relatives insisted that the body could not be moved and suggested that the final rites be performed there.”
Following the cremation of the body at the site, the security team returned, and a report was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs based on the findings of the security meeting.
A total of 21 security personnel were deployed from Meta Police Station, District Police Office Manang, Armed Police Force Nepal No. 32, and the Nepali Army’s New Bhairab Dal, Chame, Manang to the scene.
For the past few years, the team led by Akash had been contracting the area for yarsagumba collection.
