Mumbai doctor on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with wife went missing in Nepal; he has spent 30 years climbing Himalayan mountains and even organised Everest expedition once

A Mumbai doctor with three decades of experience exploring the Himalayas is among those missing in Nepal along with his wife while on a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Dr Milind Chitley had organised the pilgrimage for a group of 61 people and travelled with them on the journey. His wife, Janhavi, was also with him. The couple are now missing after the Nepal disaster, according to reports.

Chitley is not new to difficult mountain journeys. He has spent about 30 years taking part in Himalayan trails and expeditions and has explored more than 3,000 routes in the region.

Mumbai doctor has spent decades in the Himalayas

Chitley completed his MBBS from Grant Medical College in Mumbai in 1983 but developed a strong interest in mountaineering alongside his medical career.

His experience includes working with the organising committee of the 1997 Everest Expedition. He also served as the climbing doctor for the first Indian civilian expedition to a mountain above 8,000 metres.

One of the biggest achievements of his mountaineering career came on Mount Kanchenjunga, where he climbed beyond 23,000 feet.

His long association with adventure activities also led him to establish an adventure sports company called Hills and Trails. He has been associated with mountaineering organisations including the Himalayan Club and has also served as president of Andheri Sports Club.

He had taken 61 people on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Chitley had organised the 61-member Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that began on August 23. His own Mumbai clinic was scheduled to remain closed from August 24 to September 6, according to a notice placed outside the clinic, as reported by The Times of India.

The doctor also had a reputation for being an avid cyclist. He had undertaken long bicycle journeys, including trips from Mumbai to Goa and Mumbai to Kanyakumari.

His connection with the Himalayas went far beyond occasional trekking. According to The Times of India, Chitley had walked more than 3,000 trails and expeditions across the Himalayan range.

Patients and neighbours wait for news

News of Chitley's disappearance came as a shock to people around his clinic in Andheri East. Several local residents and patients told The Times of India that they knew him as an approachable and helpful doctor.

Some neighbours recalled seeing him regularly in cycling gear and said his wife Janhavi would also occasionally visit the clinic.

After learning that the couple were missing, local residents gathered around the clinic and hoped for their safe return.

Chitley's case has drawn particular attention because of his extensive experience in the mountains. Despite spending decades travelling through Himalayan terrain and taking part in major expeditions, he and his wife are now among those caught up in the Nepal disaster.

The disappearance has also left the people who knew the doctor personally waiting for updates on the couple's whereabouts.

(With TOI inputs)