Sikkim: UP trekker dies during Goechala trek, marks 3rd death of this year

GANGTOK: A 45-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh died while trekking on the Goechala route in Sikkim, police said, marking the third death on the popular trail this year.Suraj Kumar Tiwari, who was on an eight-day expedition in Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fell ill near Kokchurong camp around 9 am on Thursday while ascending. He displayed symptoms similar to paralysis, officials said.Fellow trekkers and guides administered first aid and, with the help of locals, carried him towards Yuksom. However, Tiwari passed away near Phedang campsite at an altitude of 12,100 ft around 8 pm.His body was brought to Gyalshing District Hospital on Friday. Following a post-mortem and completion of legal formalities, it was handed over to his family on Saturday. Tiwari is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.Tourism stakeholders in Yuksom have urged authorities to strengthen medical facilities and emergency rescue services, particularly along the Dzongri–Goechala corridor, after three deaths this year. Earlier incidents involved a trekker from Kolkata and a local from Gyalshing, both of whom died due to acute mountain sickness.