A 30-month-old boy died after falling ill while returning from the Pathibhara pilgrimage route, prompting authorities to urge pilgrims to seek immediate medical assistance in case of health problems.

The child of ward 2 in Hilihang Rural Municipality in Panchthar died on Monday after he became unwell while returning after a visit to Pathibhara Temple.

Following the incident, the Pathibhara Area Development Committee and the District Police Office, Taplejung, issued advisories requesting pilgrims to immediately contact health workers or police posts if any medical issues arise during the journey.

“We request pilgrims, from children to elderly visitors, to immediately contact the primary health centre at Upper Phendi, the police post, or the tourist police assistance desk at Kaflepati in case of any health-related problem,” reads a statement issued by Police Inspector Tashankar Yadav.

Authorities said cold weather at the site has repeatedly led to illness and, in some cases, deaths among visitors.

Committee chair Rocky Thebe said health workers led by an auxiliary health worker have been deployed at Upper Phendi, and staff members also assist visitors in distress. He added that further improvements in health, security and emergency response systems are planned to prevent similar incidents.

“Given the risks posed by current weather conditions and altitude, we request pilgrims, especially the sick, disabled, young children and elderly visitors, to take special precautions,” the committee said in a statement.

According to police, the child became ill while returning from the temple with relatives on Monday. He was taken to the District Hospital in Taplejung after developing respiratory complications. Doctors said he was in a critical condition upon arrival and was declared dead after around 30 minutes of treatment.

Hospital sources said the child had a prior history of pneumonia and was suspected to have suffered a recurrence during the return from Pathibhara.