Hiker Lost for 9 Days in Himalayas Reveals What He Ate to Survive

A 44-year-old hiker miraculously survived being lost in the Himalayan foothills in northern India. He not only survived with limited water and food, he also went through the ordeal with a broken arm.

According to multiple reports, Samuel Vengrinovich went missing on June 6 after he was said to have gone on a two-day hike, which came shortly after he heard the Dalai Lama speak in the town of Dharamshala, home to the modern-day spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Vengrinovich rented a tent and other equipment for the two-day hike. For some reason, he left his cellphone at the campsite and went off on his hike. Three days later, hikers noticed he hadn't been seen since he left, prompting them to call his sister, Natasha.

The Jerusalem Post reports that Natasha mobilized a search and rescue mission. The family also raised money to help pay the expenses. But for nine harrowing days, Vengrinovich walked lost with a broken arm. With no food, he resorted to what was easily available.

Related: Man Miraculously Survives Cliff Fall Trying to Photograph Volcano

"He ate insects along the way to survive and was following the river to get to Dharmasala village," Natasha told the Jerusalem Post.

Family and friends raised over $65,000 to help cover the rescue efforts. They sought to go to great lengths to find Vengrinovich, even offering to fly in an Israeli delegation to search for the Jewish Russian, who was raised in California but has lived in Israel for the last 14 years. A friend wrote to The Times of Israel saying that Vengrinovich sought solace in India amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

Vengrinovich was finally found on Sunday, but he's not out of the woods just yet. He'll require further treatment in the hospital. Proceeds raised will help cover medical expenses, rescue efforts and reunite him with his family.

"We urgently need help to cover the immediate costs of the rescue operation. The incredible teams who searched for Samuel, day and night, require payment now, regardless of the outcome," the GoFundMe states. "In addition, Samuel faces significant medical care and hospitalization for his injuries, along with flights to reunite him with his family."

Natasha added, "To say it's a miracle is an understatement."