Spanish Tourist Found Dead, Another Still Missing in Annapurna Region

Pokhara, August 27: The body of a Spanish man has been found while a Spanish woman remains missing after the two went missing during a trek in the Annapurna region. The tourists were last seen heading towards Ghorepani from Virethanti, Kaski.

The two Spanish nationals, identified as Erik Casanovas (male) and Molas Junka Messi (female), entered Nepal on August 22 and were registered at the Annapurna Conservation Area’s Virethanti checkpoint on August 25. Concerns were raised when their belongings, including a rucksack, mobile phone, and trekking gear, were discovered near the Mauja Khola river in Tikhedhunga, Annapurna Rural Municipality-9.

After locals reported the discovery, authorities launched a search operation. Kaski Police Chief SP Mohan Thapa confirmed that the man’s body was recovered on Tuesday, approximately 1.5 kilometers downstream from where their belongings were found. The body has been sent to Pokhara for post-mortem, while the search for the missing woman continues.

Authorities speculate that the two may have attempted to swim in the river, as the weather was warm on the day they went missing. Ghorepani is a popular trekking destination, and Tikhedhunga is a common rest stop along the route.