KATHMANDU: A 54-year-old tourist visiting Rara has lost his life due to altitude sickness. The deceased, Bhuwan Bishwakarma from Dhulikhel Municipality-10 in Kavre, passed away on Monday morning after struggling with breathing difficulties, as confirmed by Mugu Chief District Officer Kamal Prasad Pandey.  

Dr. Nakul Shahi from Mugu District Hospital stated that Bishwakarma arrived at the hospital around 9 p.m. on Sunday, complaining of respiratory distress. Upon examination, doctors discovered that his oxygen levels were critically low, according to a report from Rastriya Samachar Samiti.  

He went back to Salleri after getting the first medical care, but further issues arose. Around 6 a.m. on Monday, his friends drove him back to the hospital in an ambulance, but when the physicians arrived, they declared him dead.

He had chronic asthma, making him more predisposed to the effects of altitude sickness, Dr. Shahi added. The cold temperature and lower oxygen levels at altitude worsened his condition which finally resulted in a cardio-pulmonary arrest.

A group of 25, including Bishwakarma, had reached Rara Lake on Sunday. His sudden death is a reminder of how perilous altitude sickness could be, especially for those suffering from respiratory ailments.