Mumbai: For Dr Milind P Chitley, medicine was a profession, but the mountains became his lifelong calling. After completing his MBBS and beginning his career as a doctor, his growing passion for adventure eventually led him away from medical practice and towards a life dedicated to mountaineering.
For more than three decades, Chitley led expeditions and built an adventure company, Hills and Trails, based in Mumbai.
Mountaineering became his life’s passion
Chitley’s journey from medicine to the mountains reflected a deep commitment to adventure. He eventually established Hills and Trails and spent years organising and leading expeditions.
His experience in the mountains made him a familiar figure among adventure enthusiasts and groups undertaking challenging journeys.
Chitley reported missing after Nepal floods
On Thursday, Chitley was among the Indians reported missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal.
Chitley, his wife Janhavi and several members of a group travelling through Hills and Trails could not be contacted after the floods struck.
The group, comprising around 40 people, was travelling for the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage when communication was lost.
Search efforts continue amid uncertainty
The disappearance has added to growing concern over Indians caught in the severe flooding in Nepal. Rescue teams continue efforts to trace people who remain unaccounted for as authorities assess the impact of the disaster.
For those who knew Chitley through his years of mountaineering and adventure expeditions, his reported disappearance has brought particular concern.
His life had been shaped by a willingness to leave a conventional medical career behind and follow his enduring connection with the mountains. As search efforts continue, his family, colleagues and fellow adventure enthusiasts await news of his whereabouts.