By Callum Godde and Jack Gramenz, AAP
Berwick medical student Hadi Nazari is expected to be quizzed on how he survived 13 days missing in the Australian Alps before he heads home.
The 23-year-old bushwalker was reunited with loved ones after he was found by hikers on Wednesday afternoon near Blue Lake in Kosciuszko National Park.
Mr Nazari was winched to the search command post and treated for dehydration before being taken to Cooma Hospital.
“I have every confidence that he’ll be released very soon,” NSW Police Inspector John Broadfoot told reporters.
“Our specialist paramedics have had a look at him and he’s seemed in great condition so full hopes he’ll be on his way home very shortly.”
In a statement on behalf of the family, sister Zahra Nazari said they were grateful he was safe and sound.
“We are grateful for everyone involved in helping us find my brother,” the family said.
Mr Nazari was reported missing on Boxing Day by two friends after failing to turn up to Geehi campground as planned.
He had last been seen descending the Hannels Spur trail near Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, about 2.30pm on December 26.
His disappearance sparked a multi-agency air and ground search that involved up to 400 people, who were elated at him being found alive.
NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Spliet said the spot where he was found was about 10km from the Geehi campground.
Mr Nazari, who is studying to become a neurosurgeon at Melbourne University, told police he only barely eaten anything apart from two muesli bars since going missing.
“He found a hut up there in the mountains,” Supt Spliet told reporters in Wagga Wagga.
“There were two muesli bars up there that he’s eaten and that’s pretty much all that he’s had to consume over the last two weeks.”
Mr Nazari also foraged for berries and fresh water and had been walking “from morning to night”, Insp Broadfoot said.
There were signs the experienced bushwalker was alive after rubbish, hiking poles, a campfire, lighter and camera belonging to him were found during the search.
After he checks out of hospital, police plan to speak to Mr Nazari as early as Thursday to glean more information about how he became lost and how he survived the 13-day ordeal.
