Tourists disappearing in search of 'nirvana'

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2005/August/subcontinent_August493.xml§ion=subcontinent&col=

MANALI (Himachal Pradesh) — They come in hordes from all over the world in search for nirvana (salvation); they learn local dialects, adapt the culture, enjoy Indian food and then go 'missing' forever.

Welcome to the sprawling valley of Kullu-Manali, where number of foreign tourists are 'mysteriously disappearing' in the backwoods of Himalayas.

No one knows for sure whether it is the lure of charas (cannabis) that is bringing them in droves here, particularly to the upper reaches of the valley en route to Rohtang-Pass.

The instance of foreign tourists getting lost in the high and barren landscape has posed a serious problem for the government.

[Quakerfriend]

1. How many have disappeared?

And, have these disappearances been without a trace?

[Ready4Change]

2. And, have any been found done in by foul play?

I mean, it's cool to think that maybe they are finding Shangri-la of some sort. But it's more likely they are being offed by people willing to do so for their digital cameras, ipods, PDAs, cell phones, cash, credit cards...