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Nepal Tourismnews-Lost Japanese hiker survives 13 days in Nepal hills

Reuters) - A Japanese hiker who lost her way while trekking in Nepal's remote mountains said on Friday she survived for 13 days by eating leaves and praying.

Makiko Iwafuchi, 49, went for an afternoon stroll from her hotel in Rasuwa, 80 km (50 miles) north of Kathmandu on May 25, when she strayed from the main trail into the forested hills.

She walked for several days hoping to find other people or the main path back to her hotel.

"I ate leaves and bamboo shoots … and drank water from the river," Iwafuchi told reporters.

She spent the nights under trees or in mountain caves before being rescued by some village women who were passing by.

Iwafuchi said she prayed to God during the period. "I promised that if I survive, I will be more generous and kind to other people," she said after being brought to Kathmandu.

Tens of thousands of hikers every year visit Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains. They are the key source of income for the impoverished country that is also dependent on aid.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma)

KATHMANDU | Sun Jun 12, 2011

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