I simple hike near Dharamshala, India turned into an absolute epic. Photo: Harikishor Singh
A hiker who spent nine days lost in the Himalayas has shared his survival story – a sobering reminder to always be prepared in the outdoors and follow basic safety protocols, even on hikes that seem simple.
In an interview with PEOPLE, 44-year-old Samuel Vengrinovich, a dual Israeli-American citizen, described how a short hike near Dharamshala, India in June quickly turned into a fight for survival. Setting out from camp with two other hikers on what was supposed to be a one-to-two-hour trek toward Indrahar Pass, Vengrinovich left his uncharged phone behind.
More than halfway to their destination, thick clouds rolled in and created “whiteout” conditions. Vengrinovich advanced 30 to 40 meters ahead of the other hikers, and verbally agreed to go on without them and rendezvous at a nearby “temple-like structure.”
However, when he crested the ridge at the top of the valley, he couldn’t find his way back in the limited visibility.
“I couldn’t find the temple,” he said. “So I decided to head back down to base camp.”
Disoriented and alone, Vengrinovich tried to retrace his steps but was repeatedly blocked by cliffs. While scrambling down boulders, he fell nearly 100 feet, breaking bones in his arm, ankle, and foot. Badly injured, he began following a river downhill, hoping it would lead him to civilization.
The trail mishap turned into a days-long ordeal where he had to survive by eating bugs and gooseberries. For hydration, he sucked moisture out of root plants and drank his own urine.
Luckily, one day a rainstorm hit and he was able to replenish his water supply.
“I was able to fill up a liter of water in my bottle,” he said. “That was when I was like, ‘God is with me.’ With that bottle of water, I decided, ‘Okay, this is my second chance.’”
After failing to catch the attention of a search helicopter on day eight, he stumbled upon a village on day nine where three men came to his aid.
Vengrinovich spent 17 days in a hospital and had to undergo several surgeries. He has since returned to the U.S. to recover.
His story is a reminder to never underestimate the risks of hiking. While Vengrinovich didn’t specify all the supplies he carried, it’s clear he wasn’t fully equipped with the “10 essentials” needed to prepare for the unexpected.
He lacked basic navigation tools to find his way back to camp, carried no reliable shelter, and didn’t bring enough food or water reserves to handle an emergency – carrying just enough to finish a hike is not sufficient. Separating from his partner in whiteout conditions only added to the danger.
To his credit, Vengrinovich showed resourcefulness in foraging and finding ways to survive in the elements. He was fortunate to make it out alive – and his ordeal offers valuable lessons for others heading into the mountains.
