KATHMANDU: In a somber turn of events, human remains discovered at the Mardi Himal Base Camp in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality, Kaski District, are suspected to belong to Michael Liu Blomberg, a Swedish national who went missing in late 2023 during a trekking expedition in Nepal.
The remains, found on Friday evening, are believed to be those of 20-year-old Michael Liu Blomberg. Michael disappeared on December 29, 2023, while traveling from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp. Despite extensive searches at the time, no trace of him was found until now.
Hari Bahadur Chhetri, the Ward Chairman of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-9, confirmed the discovery. “The remains were reported by a local tourism businessman,” Chhetri said. “Given the challenging geography, we have coordinated with the police and the rural municipality to discuss the process for retrieving the remains.” An iPhone was also found alongside the remains, which may assist in confirming the identity.
The discovery has shocked the trekking community, both locally and internationally, as Michael Liu Blomberg was an avid traveler from Sweden. His disappearance had raised concerns about the safety and challenges of trekking in the Himalayas, a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Nepal, renowned for its trekking routes like the Mardi Himal Trek, continues to attract thousands of tourists each year. The trekking trails offer stunning views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Machhapuchhre and Annapurna. However, the incident underscores the importance of safety measures and preparedness when undertaking such treks.
The Mardi Himal Trek, known for its breathtaking scenery and relatively less crowded paths, has gained popularity among trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Nepal. Despite its allure, the trek can be perilous due to its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
The Swedish Embassy in Kathmandu has been notified, and efforts are being made to reach out to Michael’s family. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude trekking.