KATHMANDU, Nepal, November 1 (ANI) — Six Indian tourists have gone missing while trekking to Shey-Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake, following heavy snowfall in the area, officials confirmed.
The group, comprising two women and four men, went missing while traveling from Wards 4 and 8 of Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality toward Shey-Phoksundo Lake.
They were last reported missing in the Numla Pass and Bagla Pass areas between Wards 4 and 8 of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality.
Local guides suspect the tourists may have become stranded following heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region, reportedly influenced by Cyclone Arnab, which is developing in the Bay of Bengal.
According to local officials, the tourists proceeded toward the high-altitude area despite warnings from residents that crossing the mountain passes would be difficult because of snowfall. They are believed to have become trapped in the snow while returning.
Dolpa Chief District Officer Junu Hamal confirmed that “the tourists became stranded while returning from Dho toward Phoksundo Lake.”
She added, “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 service was unavailable in the mountain passes between Wards 4 and 8, making it difficult to obtain information about the tourists’ whereabouts and 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 South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (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 dangerous areas and remain in safe locations.
Tourist arrivals in the Shey-Phoksundo Lake area have increased in recent years. According to available data, 4,882 tourists visited Phoksundo Lake during the first 11 months of fiscal year 2082/83.
Dolpa Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri said six Indian tourists remained out of contact, according to the latest information. He added that authorities had requested the relevant 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 lack of mobile phone connectivity and thick snow have made it difficult to determine the tourists’ whereabouts and condition.
A team from the Nepal Army has also been deployed to locate the tourists and assist in their rescue. (ANI)
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