Punjab man, 54, dies of excessive altitude illness in Lahaul-Spiti whereas coming back from Leh

Jun 03, 2025 12:51 AM IST

Superintendent of Police (SP) Lahaul-Spiti, Ilma Afroz, mentioned the area poses a danger for travellers with pre-existing respiratory issues.

A 54-year-old man from Punjab died of excessive altitude illness and hypoxemia at Darcha on the Manali-Leh National Highway in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti district, police mentioned on Monday.

Lahaul-Spiti SP Ilma Afroz has urged vacationers to hold oxygen cylinders, oxygen tablets, and first assist kits whereas travelling to the area.(File/PTI)

Varinderjit Singh, a resident of Aman Bagh Colony in Patiala, fell sick as a consequence of sudden respiratory misery whereas coming back from Leh alongside along with his spouse and daughter on Sunday, they mentioned.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Lahaul-Spiti, Ilma Afroz, mentioned the area, situated at a really excessive altitude with low oxygen ranges, poses a danger for travellers with pre-existing respiratory issues.

She suggested folks with such well being points to keep away from journey past Darcha, Gramphu and Losar, and urged vacationers to hold oxygen cylinders, oxygen tablets, and first assist kits whereas additionally staying hydrated.

The lack of cell community connectivity past Darcha, Gramphu and Losar makes it extraordinarily troublesome to hunt assist in emergencies, she added.