A Nepali trekker was seriously injured after being struck by a falling rock along the Manaslu trekking route in Gorkha district. The incident occurred on Thursday morning near Bihi, Chumanuwri Rural Municipality–5, while the group was returning from Samagaun.
The injured has been identified as 44-year-old Minuindra Lamsal, a resident of Tokha–6, Kathmandu. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raj Kumar Shrestha, the rock fell from a steep cliff above the trail and hit Lamsal on the head, causing severe injuries. “After receiving information from his companions, a police team from the Larke Area Police Office immediately reached the site,” DSP Shrestha said.
Initial Rescue Hampered by Bad Weather in Manaslu
Efforts to evacuate Lamsal were initially delayed due to poor weather conditions in the mountainous region. Heavy fog and intermittent rainfall made helicopter operations unsafe in the early hours following the accident. The challenging terrain and remote location of the incident further complicated the ground response.
Police and local guides provided first aid to stabilize the injured trekker while awaiting improved weather for aerial evacuation. “Our team stayed with the injured until the rescue helicopter could safely land,” Shrestha added.
Airlifted to Kathmandu for Advanced Medical Treatment
Once the weather conditions slightly improved, Simrik Air’s rescue helicopter successfully airlifted Lamsal from the accident site to Kathmandu for further treatment. He was immediately taken to a hospital in the capital for advanced medical care.
Authorities confirmed that Lamsal sustained a serious head injury and remains in critical condition. “He has sustained trauma to the head and was bleeding heavily at the site. His condition is critical but stable after initial medical intervention,” a police source reported.
Authorities Urge Caution for Trekkers on Mountain Trails
Police and local officials have urged trekkers to exercise extreme caution while navigating the rocky and landslide-prone sections of the Manaslu Circuit, particularly during the post-monsoon period when loose rocks and soil make the trails more hazardous.
The Manaslu trekking region, located in the northern Gorkha district, attracts hundreds of domestic and foreign trekkers each season. However, frequent rockfalls and unpredictable weather patterns often pose risks to travelers in the high-altitude terrain.
Authorities emphasized that rescue operations in such areas are often delayed due to limited communication networks and weather-dependent flight operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by trekkers and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during mountain expeditions.
