A joint rescue operation successfully evacuated 15 tourists, including three from the United Kingdom, who were stranded along the Dhaulagiri circuit trekking route from Dhaulagiri to Mustang. The tourists had been trekking in the region when heavy snowfall and adverse conditions forced them to halt in the remote Hidden Valley area of Mustang.
The incident began on Tuesday, when continuous snowfall made it impossible for the tourists to continue their journey. Recognizing the severity of the situation, a combined rescue team comprising the Nepali Army’s High Altitude Training School, Indrabaks Battalion, Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal Police, and non-military local guides departed for the area on Wednesday.
Harsh Weather and Visibility Challenges in Dhaulagiri
The rescue operation faced multiple challenges, including heavy snow, poor visibility, and communication difficulties due to the remote high-altitude terrain. The team had to navigate through yaks grazing areas and steep ridges at elevations reaching 4,900 meters to locate the stranded trekkers. After three days of relentless effort, the tourists were found safe near Batasenda, a high-altitude yak pasture, and successfully brought back to a safer location at Yak Khark.
Return Journey and Safety Measures
Following the rescue, the tourists, accompanied by the joint rescue team, are now returning to Jomsom, ensuring their safe exit from the high-altitude trekking area. The Nepali Army’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information confirmed the operation’s success and highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between military, police, and local guides in high-altitude emergencies.
Authorities have reminded trekkers to exercise extreme caution in high Himalayan regions, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and limited visibility, emphasizing that timely alerts and preparedness are crucial for safety in remote trekking zones.
Promoting Awareness for Safe Trekking
This successful rescue underscores the risks associated with trekking in the Dhaulagiri region, one of Nepal’s most challenging high-altitude routes. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations, combining military expertise, law enforcement, and local knowledge to ensure tourist safety.
Officials continue to urge trekkers to monitor weather forecasts, hire experienced local guides, and avoid venturing into high-altitude trails during adverse weather conditions to prevent similar emergencies in the future.
