West Sikkim, Nov. 19 -- A trekker participating in the Goechala high-altitude trail in West Sikkim died late Monday night after reportedly experiencing severe altitude-related symptoms, authorities confirmed.

The deceased has been identified as Suman Debnath (38), Superintendent with CGST & Customs, West Bengal. Debnath was part of an organised trekking group when he began experiencing acute headache, nausea, breathlessness and extreme fatigue while ascending.

Despite assistance from fellow trekkers, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He reportedly lost consciousness and passed away around 9:05 PM at Phedang, a high-altitude point nearly 25 kilometres from Yuksom.

Following the incident, authorities immediately initiated rescue operat...