HOPES have been raised for the family desperately searching for missing adventurer Julian Wynne.

The 33-year-old has not been seen since December 22, after separating from his friend while trekking on Mount Everest.

His family had feared he had headed off in the direction of the Cho La pass, a dangerous and unpredictable route to the Everest base camp.

But since the launch of their appeal to find the devoted uncle, which has seen thousands of people from across the trekking world join the search, they have received news that he had decided to take another route.

The welcome news came from a lodge-owner who spoke to Julian on December 22, the evening his friend and travelling partner Lee Jeffries last saw him.

During their conversation Julian had said he did not want to take the Cho La pass and that he would take a lower trail down to Portse Thanga instead.

Brother-in-law Greg Crowter flew to Nepal and is now trekking in the Himalayas with Julian’s friend Lee in the hope of finding him.

The family is also offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to finding Julian.

Julian’s sister, Sophie, of Sarisbury Green, said: “We have been told that he didn’t want to take that trail, which is the bit we were all worried about. We just have to hope Greg and Lee can find out more.”