Xizang Hiker Survives Night Using Yak Dung for Warmth

A woman who went missing while trekking near the Kula Kangri mountain range in Xizang Autonomous Region on Sunday has been found alive after spending a night in a mountain shed, where she used yak dung to keep warm, Red Star News reported today.

The hiker, whose identity has not been disclosed, became separated from her group on Sunday while trekking in the Kula Kangri–Pema Lake area.

Social media posts yesterday first drew public attention to the disappearance, prompting an immediate response from local villagers, police, firefighters, educational authorities, and multiple civilian rescue teams.

A man who participated in the rescue operation told Red Star News that two guides from a local tour group and one local guide were involved throughout the search. He joined the rescue efforts on the evening of Sunday.

According to the rescuer, local villagers and police were the first to respond but faced difficult conditions as heavy snow made the mountain roads impassable for minibuses. Police coordinated with villagers to arrange suitable vehicles to transport rescue personnel up the mountain.

As darkness fell, drones became ineffective for searching. Police first ordered some guides to descend for safety, then dispatched a team of more than 10 rescuers to continue the search. The woman was eventually found in a mountain shed.

The rescuer revealed that the woman had passed by the shed around 4pm on the day she got lost, then retraced her steps back to it. Inside the shed, she used yak dung to seal gaps in the walls, wore a raincoat for insulation, and covered herself with more dung for warmth.

During the night, the woman reportedly saw rescue lights but could not make contact due to strong winds, darkness, and lack of mobile signal on the mountain. She stayed awake throughout the night by checking the time every hour and eating small portions of her trail food to maintain energy.

Red Star News today confirmed with Luozha County's tourism, public security, and fire departments that local villagers found the woman around 1pm yesterday. She was handed over to police and is recovering well.

The travel agency involved and the hiker herself have covered all rescue expenses. Following the incident, local authorities have temporarily closed some trekking routes in the area.