No Injuries Reported After India Mountaineering Course Struck by Avalanche

At approximately 9:30 p.m. local time on April 20, 2023, a NOLS India Mountaineering course was struck by an avalanche while camped at an established location at 14,000 feet in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. While no one was injured, the group’s tents and equipment were covered by avalanche debris. The 3 instructors and 11 adult students were able to recover some of their equipment and take shelter for the rest of the night. The course contacted NOLS using their emergency satellite phone and we initiated our emergency response plan. In daylight, the group was able to reach a pre-planned location at 11,300 feet where they rested in a shelter with food, water, and blankets. We notified the families of all students, and remain in contact with them.

“We are so grateful that no one was injured and commend the instructors and students for their quick response and their support of each other. These 14 individuals continue to demonstrate critical leadership skills under very difficult circumstances,” said Sandy Colhoun, interim president of NOLS.

We are in regular communication with the group. The course has been continuing to hike toward a road where they will be met by vehicles and driven to the NOLS base in Ranikhet, India. They are thankful for the food and equipment that has been brought in to meet them and are looking forward to talking with their families.

NOLS would like to acknowledge and express our deep appreciation for the professional assistance of the Bageshwar District Magistrate’s Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs Disaster Management Division, and Citizen Services of the United States Embassy in New Delhi.

UPDATED: April 22, 2023