Canadian Paraglider Stranded in Dhauladhar Mountains After Crash Landing

Canadian paraglider Megan Elizabeth has been stranded for the past 24 hours in the high-altitude ranges of the Dhauladhar mountains near Talan Jot, north of the Himani Chamunda Temple, after a crash landing during a solo flight.

According to officials, a rescue operation has been launched by the Baijnath administration with assistance from members and mountaineers of the Bir Billing Paragliding Association (BPA).

Megan, who took off solo from Billing on Saturday, was scheduled to land at Chogan two hours later. However, she lost her way and ended up trapped at an altitude of nearly 14,000 feet near Talan Jot. She reportedly spent the night in freezing temperatures but managed to stay in touch with rescuers thanks to her radio set and mobile phone.

The BPA immediately initiated a search operation after receiving her distress message, while her family arranged for a helicopter to assist in the rescue efforts.

Baijnath Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sankalp Gautam confirmed that the pilot had landed between the Himani Chamunda Temple and Triund. Her location was traced using Google Maps, following which the rescue operation was intensified.

Authorities said Megan had sufficient food, water, medicines, and warm clothing with her, and remains in contact with the rescue team. Efforts are underway to bring her to safety as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time a paraglider has gone missing or been trapped in these mountains. Over the years, several similar incidents have occurred in the Dhauladhar range, with some pilots and their gliders never recovered.