A devastated family has revealed the heartbreak they are suffering after a British priest disappeared during devastating floods in Nepal.
Nabhi Nandan Das, 65, who runs the Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre in Coulsdon, Surrey, was leading a pilgrimage tour for Alpine Eco Trek when the disaster struck on 26 August.
The group had been travelling on a nine-day tour to Mount Kailash in Nepal and had just crossed into China when contact with Mr Das was lost.
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His family has not heard from him since he sent them a message the day before the disaster, with his last WhatsApp activity recorded at 3:57am UK time.
Now his cousin Dee Shah has described the family’s anguish as they desperately search for him.
She said: “On 26 August 2026, our family’s lives changed forever.
“Our mum’s cousin, Nabhi Nandan Das, a gentle, spiritual and deeply loved 65-year-old British citizen, went missing during the devastating floods that struck the Rasuwagadhi area on the Nepal–Tibet border.
“He was travelling as a priest and group leader, guiding 16 pilgrims aged 18–65 on a spiritual tour with Alpine Eco Trek when the disaster hit without warning.
“Since then, we have had no contact.
“His last WhatsApp activity was at 3:57am UK time on 26 August.
“No messages.
“No calls.
“No updates.
“Just silence.”
Dee said the family had been left desperately searching for answers and would not give up hope of finding Nabhi and the group.
“All 16 members of the group remain unaccounted for,” she said.
“Entire communities were swept away.
“Roads collapsed.
“Communications vanished.
“Families across Nepal and Tibet are still searching for loved ones.
“Every hour without news is heartbreaking.
“But we will not stop searching for Nabhi or the group he was responsible for.”
“Nabhi is a father, brother, cousin, friend and priest who has devoted his life to serving others.
“He spent decades helping people in their hardest moments, offering guidance, comfort and compassion without ever asking for anything in return.
“He was selfless in the truest sense of the word.
“He led this pilgrimage because he believed deeply in spiritual connection, community and kindness.
“He cared for every member of his group as if they were family.
“He deserves to be found.
“They all do.”
The family is contacting Nepalese and Tibetan authorities, checking hospital, rescue and border-police records and speaking with witnesses, guides and local contacts.
They are also sharing missing-person appeals, monitoring updates from both sides of the border and coordinating with search teams.
The family is urgently raising funds to help continue and expand the search.
The money may be used for travel to Nepal, local transport and accommodation, translators and local assistance, communication and data costs, printing and distributing appeals and obtaining information from remote areas, as reported by Need To Know.
Dee said: “The situation is changing rapidly.
“We don’t yet know what resources will be required, only that time matters, and we must act quickly.”
She said any remaining funds would be directed towards relief or search efforts for others affected by the disaster.
Dee urged anyone with information about Nabhi to come forward.
She said: “Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us closer to finding Nabhi.
“If you cannot donate, please share this page and his photograph widely, especially with anyone in Nepal, Tibet, the Nepali and British communities, trekking and tourism networks, rescue organisations and the media.
“One share could reach the person who has seen him.
“One message could change everything.”
On Wednesday (2 September), Dee added: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has donated, shared, and supported us during this incredibly difficult time.
“While the family is currently in Nepal continuing the search for Nabhi, I will continue to receive and manage the funds on their behalf.
“Your support is helping with the costs involved in the ongoing search.
“Please continue sharing Nabhi’s story and photograph with your networks – every share could make a difference.”
At the time of writing £10,684 had been raised.
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