Surat News Today: In a heartbreaking development, the bodies of a father and daughter from Kadod village in Bardoli taluka of Surat district have been recovered in Nepal after being missing for nearly 19 days. The two were last seen trekking near the treacherous Annapurna-3 peak before being caught in a severe snowstorm. Their remains were found buried under layers of snow at an altitude of around 23,000 feet, marking a tragic end to a story that had gripped their community with hope and anxiety.
Adventure Turns into Tragedy
The victims, identified as Jignesh Lallubhai Bhandari and his daughter Priyanshi Bhandari, were residents of Kadod village, known for their adventurous spirit and passion for high-altitude trekking. Priyanshi, a bright Class 11 student of Vanita Vishram Institute, had shared her father’s love for mountains and exploration. Together, they planned a trek through Nepal’s challenging Annapurna-3 region — one of the most difficult and unpredictable trails in the Himalayas.
According to family sources, the father-daughter duo departed for Nepal on October 14, 2025, intending to complete their trek by October 31, 2025. They began their ascent on October 21 but soon lost communication due to heavy snowfall and deteriorating weather conditions. What was meant to be a thrilling mountain adventure turned into a fatal encounter with nature’s fury.
Last Call Before Silence
The last known contact came on October 21, when Jigneshbhai spoke briefly with his wife Jagruti Bhandari over the phone. During the call, he mentioned worsening weather conditions and said that the trails toward Annapurna-3 had been closed due to intense snowstorms. After that call, all contact was lost. Repeated attempts to reach them through satellite and mobile communication failed, leaving the family increasingly worried.
When two days passed without communication, Jagruti contacted the hotel in Nepal where her husband and daughter had been staying. The staff informed her that the pair had not returned. Alarmed, she immediately approached Kadod Police Outpost and lodged a missing person complaint. Indian authorities, including the office of local MP Prabhu Vasava, were informed, leading to the involvement of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
High-Altitude Peril Confirmed
Jagruti’s fears that her husband and daughter were stranded at a height of around 23,000 feet (7,000 meters) turned out to be true. Despite warnings about the dangerous terrain and unpredictable weather, the duo had reportedly not undergone professional mountaineering training before embarking on the expedition.
As rescue operations intensified, the Indian Embassy in Nepal coordinated closely with Nepal Police and local rescue teams to locate the missing trekkers. Continuous snowfall and freezing temperatures severely hampered the search efforts, delaying progress for more than two weeks.
Political Leaders Step In
Bardoli MLA Ishwar Parmar confirmed that his office, along with the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), had been informed of the situation. “As soon as we received news from Kadod residents and local volunteers, I sent urgent messages to both CMO and PMO. The Indian Embassy has maintained regular communication with Nepal Police and the Bhandari family,” Parmar stated.
He expressed condolences to the grieving family, saying, “We had hoped they would be rescued alive, but fate had other plans. The entire Bardoli region mourns this irreparable loss.”
Local MP Prabhu Vasava also took initiative by contacting Indian authorities and ensuring all diplomatic channels were mobilized to support the search and recovery process.
Discovery After 19 Days
After nearly 19 days of relentless search operations through deep snow and treacherous slopes, rescue teams in Nepal finally located the bodies of Jignesh and Priyanshi on the slopes of Annapurna-3. Officials confirmed that both had been trapped under thick layers of snow after being caught in an unexpected blizzard. The extreme weather conditions made survival impossible.
The Nepalese authorities have initiated all necessary legal and repatriation procedures to return the bodies to India. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has assured full cooperation to expedite the process so the family can perform the final rites in their hometown.
A Mother’s Unfulfilled Plea
Before the discovery of the bodies, Jagruti Bhandari had made a heart-wrenching public appeal to the Government of India:
“I have only one request to my government — please find my husband and daughter and bring them home safely.”
Her desperate hope, however, ended in sorrow. News of the recovery left Kadod village enveloped in grief. Friends, neighbors, and relatives gathered outside the Bhandari residence to console the bereaved mother, who had been holding onto hope for nearly three weeks.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout Kadod village and the entire Bardoli taluka, where the Bhandari family is widely respected. Local schools, including Priyanshi’s institution, held condolence meetings in her memory. Residents described Priyanshi as an ambitious and cheerful student, while her father was known as a humble businessman with a passion for nature and adventure.
A community member said, “Jigneshbhai loved mountains. He would often talk about his dream of conquering the Himalayas with his daughter. No one imagined this dream would end like this.”
Risky Terrain of Annapurna-3
The Annapurna region in Nepal is infamous for its extreme conditions and high fatality rates among trekkers. Rising over 7,555 meters (24,787 feet), Annapurna-3 is part of the larger Annapurna massif, where weather changes within minutes. Trekkers face avalanches, blizzards, and oxygen scarcity beyond 6,000 meters.
According to Nepal’s tourism officials, the area experiences multiple accidents each year, especially during the October-November trekking season when sudden snowstorms are common. The recent incident involving the Surat-based duo underscores the dangers of attempting such climbs without adequate training and weather preparedness.
Authorities Urge Caution
Following the tragedy, officials have once again reminded adventurers to avoid trekking without proper guidance and professional training. The Surat Mountaineering Association also issued a statement mourning the loss of Jignesh and Priyanshi, adding that “even experienced trekkers can underestimate the Himalayan terrain.”
They further urged that anyone planning a high-altitude expedition should always:
- Enroll in certified mountaineering courses.
- Check official weather advisories before departure.
- Carry satellite communication devices.
- Travel with registered guides and rescue insurance.
Also read: Nepal Avalanche Kills Seven Climbers on Yalung Ri Peak; Search Operation Continues Amid Bad Weather
Government Support and Repatriation
Nepalese rescue teams, assisted by Indian diplomatic officials, have begun the process to transport the bodies to Kathmandu before their return to India. The Indian Embassy released a brief statement confirming the tragic outcome and extending support to the family.
State and central government representatives are also in touch with the family to assist with formalities. Efforts are underway to ensure that the remains reach Bardoli as soon as possible for the final rites.
Heartfelt Farewell from Surat
As news of their deaths spread, people across Surat district expressed deep sorrow on social media, using the hashtag #SuratNewsToday to share tributes and memories. Many described the father-daughter pair as symbols of courage and love for adventure. Candlelight vigils are expected to be held in Kadod to honor their memory.
One local resident wrote, “They went chasing the mountains together, and they’ll be remembered together — forever a part of Surat’s heart.”
End of a Dream, Beginning of a Legacy
While their journey ended in tragedy, the story of Jignesh and Priyanshi Bhandari has left a lasting message about the unpredictable might of nature and the importance of preparedness in adventure tourism. The duo’s passion and courage will remain an inspiration for aspiring trekkers from Surat and beyond.
The Bardoli community, the Surat district, and countless people across India and Nepal now mourn not only their loss but also celebrate their fearless spirit — a reminder that life, like the mountains, demands both respect and humility.
