Six Indian Tourists Go Missing While Trekking in Nepal

The missing tourists, comprising two women and four men, were travelling from Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality towards Shey-Phoksundo Lake.

They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Ward Nos. 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality.

Local guides suspect that the tourists may have become stranded following heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region, reportedly influenced by Cyclone Arnab developing over the Bay of Bengal.

According to local officials, the tourists continued towards the high-altitude region despite warnings from residents about difficult weather conditions and the risks of crossing the mountain passes.

They are believed to have become trapped in the snow while returning from their journey.

Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal confirmed that “the tourists became stranded while returning from Dho towards Phoksundo Lake.”

She further said, “They had been warned by locals about the difficult weather and mountain conditions but proceeded with their journey.”

Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality Chairman Dhawa Samduk Gurung said mobile phone communication was unavailable in the mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the tourists' whereabouts and current condition.

According to the District Administration Office, a total of 244 tourists have reached Upper Dolpa. Of these, 149 are Nepali nationals, 44 are from SAARC countries and 51 are citizens of other foreign countries.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, the district administration has urged tourists to avoid risky areas and remain in safe locations.

Tourist arrivals in the Shey-Phoksundo Lake region have been increasing in recent years. According to available data, 4,882 tourists visited Phoksundo Lake during the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2082/83.

Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri said six Indian tourists remained uncontactable, according to the latest information.

He added that authorities had requested the concerned agency to arrange a helicopter for search and rescue operations.

Search and rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions in the high Himalayan region.

The absence of mobile phone connectivity and thick snow have further complicated efforts to establish the tourists' whereabouts and assess their condition.

A team of the Nepal Army has also been deployed to locate the missing tourists and assist in rescue operations.