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	Missing Trekker - Gareth Koch

Gareth Koch, a British trekker from Wantage in Oxfordshire is missing in Nepal and was last seen on Monday the 8th of March 2004. Were you in the Khumbu in March 2004? Did you see Gareth Koch? Gareth Koch Perhaps you can help explain the movements of Gareth Koch. These are the most recent sightings of Gareth:   Monday 8th March 2004 Chukhung Gareth had breakfast in a lodge in Chukhung, and then was seen descending in the direction of Dingboche. It is thought he was heading for Namche.   Sunday 7th March 2004 Chukhung Gareth told fellow trekkers that he had just visited Island Peak Base Camp. An alternative version has it that he climbed Chukhung Tse.   Saturday 6th March 2004 Chukhung It is thought that Gareth travelled from Gorak Shep to Lobuche to Dughla to Dingboche to Chukhung this day. He is extremely fit.   Friday 5th March 2004 Gorak Shep? He might have climbed Kalla Pattar. 25 YEARS OLD BORN ON 18 APRIL 1979. Gareth is of slight build, weights about 65Kgs and is approx 5’ 9” tall (1.75m). He has light brown hair with hazel eyes. His hair will be longer than in the photographs and he has now possibly grown a beard. He has no particular distinguishing features, but is extremely quiet with an easy going manner and, of course, an English accent. He was last seen wearing a purple down body warmer and light brown trekking trousers. The last reported sighting of Gareth was at about 0900 hours on Monday 8th March 04 at Chhukung by a German lady and her boyfriend. He was well and not in distress nor did he give any indication that he would not be returning to the UK as planned. He gave the indication that he would be heading for Namche Bazaar. We know that Gareth has not taken a flight from Lukla. Gareth and a work colleague (this was someone who had been to Nepal before and knew the region) departed the UK on Friday 20th February 04 and they arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday 21st February 04. The only contact that his parents have had was from a post card and an e-mail dated 22nd February 04 telling them that they would be flying to LUKLA at 0700 on the 23rd February. The plan was to spend the four week period in and around the SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK, EVEREST BASE CAMP area including NAMCHE BAZAAR and then return to the UK on Saturday 20th March 04, this he has failed to do. Gareth was due to arrive at Heathrow Airport on Saturday 20th March as he was due back to work on Monday 22nd March. There seems to be no obvious reason why Gareth has not returned. He is an experienced trekker and climber but is not well travelled as most of his experience has been gained in the UK. There have been no reported sightings of Gareth since Monday 8th March despite an extensive search and the distribution of hundreds of missing person leaflets which has been undertaken by the British Embassy in Kathmandu. His parents David & Gill and his brother, Adam are becoming increasingly concerned about his safety. If you have any information or advice then please contact Gareth’s family at daviko@ntlworld.com or the British Embassy in Nepal on , britemb@wlink.com.np or the Thames Valley Police on + 44 845 8 505505.