A 23-year-old hiker who had been missing since Boxing Day in the remote Kosciuszko national park has been found alive.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that Hadi Nazari had been found alive.

Hikers found Nazari at about 3.15pm on Wednesday off the circuit walk near Blue Lake, police said in a statement. Nazari was winched out and was being assessed by paramedics.

Nazari was last seen by friends at about 2.30pm on 26 December descending the Hannels Spur trail in Kosciuszko national park.

When he failed to arrive at the Geehi campground as planned, his two friends, aged 23 and 24, began to search for him.

A multi-agency search involving more than 300 for Nazari began, and on 31 December, rubbish and hiking poles believed to belong to him was found near the Kosciuszko river. On 5 January, a campfire, lighter, camera and a camera bag was found near the Geehi River.

Josh Broadfoot, a Riverina police district inspector, said it was an “incredible outcome”.

“We want to thank our emergency services partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their assistance. We never gave up hope of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family,” he said.

The Hannels Spur trail is one of the toughest ascents in Australia, according to bushwalking advice, with hikers gaining 1,800 metres of elevation.

More to come.