Authorities in Dolpa have enhanced coordination for the safety of 102 tourists who have entered into Shey-Phoksundo National Park and other tourism areas of the mountainous district amidst deteriorating weather. The District Administration Office has called on local authorities, security agencies, tourism business, and residents to remain vigilant and provide necessary assistance to visitors if conditions worsen.
It is revealed by the District Administration (DA) of Dolpa that the 102 tourists had entered into Shey-Phoksundo National Park and other tourism areas of Dolpa by September 24 but as of now, no information has been received whether they have left the district or not. It is understood that the group of 102 tourists consists of 99 foreigners and three Nepalis who are at different trekking areas in Dolpa.
Authorities Coordinate for Tourist Safety
Chief District Officer Junu Hamal said the administration is keeping eyes on the situation because the changing weather condition can pose a challenge for the tourists who have entered into high altitude areas. She urged all the concerned stakeholders to remain prepared and facilitate assistance wherever necessary. The administration has directed local governments, security agencies, tourism-related offices, hotels, businesses and local communities to keep touch with the tourists on trekking routes and monitor their conditions.
Stakeholders have been encouraged to assist in moving visitors into safe places and coordinate rescue and security measures as needed if the weather conditions become worst. The administration is also in the process of finding out the exact location of these 102 tourists. As of now, information is not available as to whether the visitors have exited from the Dolpa district or not. Authorities have coordinated with relevant agencies to find out whereabouts of the visitors. It is expected that they are staying in hotels or trekking in routes of Dolpa district.
Changing Weather Raises High-Altitude Trekking Concern
It is noticed that the weather in Dolpa has turned out to be quite unfavorable which poses a threat to the visitors who have gone into remote and high altitude areas. Sudden changes in mountain weather can bring snowfall, rainfall, severe cold and disruption of trekking trails which can challenge the movement of tourists. Authorities have emphasized the importance of getting regular updates on tourists and keeping touch with people staying in remote settlements, hotels and trekking routes.
In case of prolonged adverse weather condition, ensuring that the tourists should stay in secure locations will be given priority. The safety concern comes as Nepal’s autumn tourism season witnesses high-altitude destinations receiving international and domestic visitors. Remote destinations such as Dolpa can bring additional logistic challenges due to difficult terrain and lack of access to transportation and emergency services.
Shey-Phoksundo Remains a Major Himalayan Tourism Destination
Shey-Phoksundo National Park has always been a hotspot for high altitude adventure and nature lovers in Nepal. The region has attracted visitors to experience the Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, Upper Dolpo’s traditional settlements and trekking routes offering Himalayan landscape and wilderness. The presence of 102 tourists in the district has emphasized the need for keeping eyes on remote tourism destinations and provide necessary assistance to visitors in case of emergency.
Local authorities and tourism stakeholders are expected to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance to the visitors. For trekkers planning to visit Dolpa and other high altitude areas, the current situation has emphasized the need of checking out updated weather information, keeping touch with local operators and following instruction from local authorities before and during trekking.
