Appeal over missing Nepal hikers

Mr Koch has not been seen since he left his travelling companion

The family of a backpacker missing in Nepal have teamed up with the family of a missing hiker to appeal for help.

Gareth Koch from Wantage, Oxfordshire, was last seen on 5 March in Sagarmartha National Park.

His failure to return home on his 20 March flight was described as "totally out of character".

His family have now contacted Dr Anna Ratnasothy of Chelmsford, whose brother Alex vanished in Nepal in 2003 to launch an appeal for information.

Not knowing where your loved one may be or what might have happened to them is unbearable Dr Anna Ratnasothy

Gareth's father David said there had been no confirmed sightings of the 24-year-old since 5 March.

"We hired a trekker to cover his tracks but no-one had any information to give him and he didn't find any clues that could lead him to Gareth's whereabouts."

Alex Ratnasothy vanished back in 2003

Ms Ratnasothy's brother, Alex, a computer software engineer from Grays, Essex, left home to travel in 2002.

She said: "I know exactly what the Koch family are going through.

"Gareth and Alex are around the same age and were heading off on what they hoped would be a safe and exciting adventure.

"Not knowing where your loved one may be or what might have happened to them is unbearable."