Teen boys, 14 & 19, die while snow trekking in India, pet dog stays near bodies for 4 days

A pet dog in India stood guard by two teenagers' bodies for four days after they died due to harsh winter conditions while snow trekking.

A pit bull named Sherru was found along with deceased cousins Piyush, 14, and Viksit Rana, 19, on Jan. 26 in Himachal Pradesh, according to The Indian Express.

The discovery followed a four-day search and rescue operation carried out by local authorities after the two boys were reported missing on Jan. 22.

Caught in "extremely intense" snowstorm, lost way

Prior to their deaths, Piyush and Viksit had set out on a trek in the Chamba district to record videos for Viksit's social media content.

The older boy frequently posted photos and videos of the hills online, Chamba police assistant superintendent Dinesh Kumar Sharma said.

Family members said he had also prepared extensively — carrying sleeping bags, a two-person trekking tent, packaged food and other supplies.

He also took his one-year-old pet dog, Sherru, with him.

However, the group was caught in an "extremely intense" snowstorm, with temperatures plunging to between -9°C -10°C.

Viksit contacted his friend on Jan. 22 and said that Piyush's health had worsened.

He was also carrying the younger boy on his shoulders while trying to descend.

His phone later ran out of battery, and he lost his way due to heavy snowfall in the area.

Bodies airlifted after recovery, dog returned to family

Rescue teams, including police, a local guide, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and aerial support were subsequently deployed near their location on Chutadiya peak.

Piyush and Viksit's bodies were later discovered buried under snow near the Bharmani Devi shrine.

Authorities said they also discovered Sherru alive and keeping watch near Piyush despite sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall.

A video shared on X showed rescue officers recovering and airlifting both bodies, along with the dog.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh | The State Disaster Response Force Heli service evacuated two bodies in snow-covered hills in the Holi area of the Bharmour subdivision in the Chamba district.

(Source: SDRF) pic.twitter.com/bD4RyZmZIc

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2026

According to The Indian Express, the bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations, while Sherru was safely returned to the family.

The dog reportedly waited by the bodies over four days and was believed to not have consumed food during that time.

Top photos via @KumaonJagran & @rajta/X