Himachal Trekking Tragedy: How Two Youths Could Have Survived Snowfall in Bharmani Hills

• Two cousins, Bikshit Rana (19) and Piyush (13), died during a trekking and camping trip in Bharmour, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, their bodies recovered four days later.
• They were equipped with sleeping bags, a tent, and food, but lost their way during heavy snowfall and a snowstorm on January 23.
• Piyush, unable to walk after his shoes broke, stopped under a tree, while Bikshit went for help but also succumbed to the cold 800 meters below.
• Rescue team member Binny Kapoor suggested they were alive for two days and could have been saved if villagers hadn't waited for official help or if the youths had stayed put.
• A Pitbull dog, Sheru, accompanying them, survived four days, staying with its owner's body, highlighting its loyalty and the harsh conditions.

Why It Matters: Lack of timely rescue and critical decisions during snowfall led to the tragic deaths of two youths.