The Annapurna Circuit, one of the world’s most popular trekking routes, witnessed the tragic loss of five tourists in the last fiscal year. According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, the head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) unit, most of these fatalities were caused by altitude sickness.
On October 3, 2023, 69-year-old American citizen Charles Keith Davis lost his life after falling from a cliff in Khotro, part of the Dumre–Besisahar–Chame road section in Nasong Rural Municipality-3, Manang. On October 10, 2023, Indian citizen Mohammad Rijim, known as Chettiya Kandy, died of altitude sickness at Todanda in Ngisyang Rural Municipality-9, Manang, along the Manang–Khangsar–Tilicho trekking route.
Additionally, British citizen Terence Brady was found dead at the Jambala Guest House and Restaurant in Metang, Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality-2, while sleeping, as recorded in ACAP’s data. Porter Hari Adhikari, 35, from Phulkharka, Gangajamuna Rural Municipality-5, Dhading, died near Chulubesi Camp in Ngisyang-6, Manang, due to altitude sickness. Similarly, 49-year-old Dadhiram Dangi from Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-9, Dang, who resided in Purano Baneshwar, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-10, lost his life due to a landslide in the Togufa region while en route to Tilicho Base Camp.
Bhujel mentioned that reports for the deaths of the Indian citizen and Nepalese tourist Dangi are still pending. He highlighted that disregarding the risks posed by Manang’s environment and weather has led to fatalities among tourists and guides. “Tourists often embark on this risky trek without a guide, and neglecting weather conditions results in fatalities. The high-altitude area causes sudden deaths due to altitude sickness,” Bhujel explained.
Binod Gurung, President of the Manang Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, stated that tourists unfamiliar with Manang’s weather conditions often lose their lives while crossing Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. “Internal tourists face more problems due to neglecting weather conditions,” he said. “Paying attention to altitude-related issues could prevent deaths among domestic tourists.”
Residents noted that blending into Manang’s environment and paying attention to its weather can prevent such tragedies. However, domestic tourists on short trips are at higher risk.
Ensuring the safety of trekkers involves proper acclimatization and awareness of the region’s challenging weather and terrain.
