MELBOURNE, Australia — A hiker, Hadi Nazari, a 23-year-old medical student, was found alive and in remarkably good health after spending two weeks lost in the remote Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. He survived primarily on two muesli bars, foraged berries, and creek water. His ordeal began on December 26 when he separated from his hiking companions to take pictures, leading to his disappearance.

On Wednesday afternoon, Nazari approached another group of hikers and disclosed that he was lost and thirsty. According to Police Insp. Josh Broadfoot, he trekked over 10 kilometers (6 miles) through steep, dense terrain since he was last seen. In response to his disappearance, a significant search operation involving over 300 personnel was activated immediately.

Broadfoot reported that Nazari was “walking from morning until night” and expressed amazement at his condition after 14 days in the wilderness. “For him to come out and be in such good spirits and in such great condition, it's incredible,” he stated. The survival skills Nazari demonstrated were further noted when it was revealed that he located water in creeks and had foraged for food. At one point, he found a few muesli bars in a hut.

Ambulance Insp. Adam Mower highlighted that Nazari required treatment primarily for dehydration. “He's in remarkable condition for a person who's been missing for so long,” Mower remarked. The search efforts had been optimistic due to Nazari's experience as a hiker and the mild weather of the Southern Hemisphere summer, which suggested a higher likelihood of survival.

As searchers had discovered his campfire, camera, and hiking poles in previous days, it was evident that he had been actively moving in the rugged landscape. Nazari was reunited with his companions before being airlifted to a hospital for further evaluation. His story is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of adventurers in challenging environments. For further details, refer to the original articles from AP News and CBS News.