Fay Manners, a British climber from Bedfordshire, has shared her harrowing experience after surviving two days stranded in brutal conditions on Chaukhamba mountain in northern India. Alongside her climbing partner, Michelle Dvorak from the U.S., the duo found themselves in peril when the rope lifting their supplies snapped, leaving them without food, shelter, or essential climbing gear at over 20,000 feet.



After sending an emergency message, they faced a daunting wait as search and rescue teams struggled to locate them amid challenging weather and high altitude. "We were terrified," Manners recounted. Without their tent, stove, or warm clothes, they had to take cover on a ledge as snow began to fall.


As they fought hypothermia and exhaustion, they managed to collect melting ice for water. The next morning, a helicopter attempted to rescue them but was unsuccessful. "We knew we had to try to go down ourselves," Manners said, acknowledging their vulnerable condition.



Their luck changed when they encountered a team of French climbers who shared equipment and contacted rescuers with their precise location. "I cried with relief knowing we might survive," Manners reflected. The French team helped them navigate the steep glacier, a crucial lifeline that prevented a potentially fatal misstep.


Manners, who has a remarkable climbing resume, including being the first woman to ascend the Phantom Direct route on the Grand Jorasses, remains focused on inspiring women in alpinism. Despite the trauma, she emphasized that the incident was "unfortunate and very rare." 



Now safely back, Manners and Dvorak plan to indulge in local Indian cuisine before heading home. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed their involvement in supporting Manners' family during the ordeal.