Sixteen Indonesian tourists stranded in Manang have been rescued by helicopter and brought to Lamjung following disruptions along the Annapurna trekking route caused by continuous rainfall and landslides. The tourists were airlifted by a Dynasty Helicopter from the Ghatang Agro area of Nisyang Rural Municipality–1, Manang, to Sahaji in Besisahar Municipality–7, Lamjung, on Thursday. According to Jitendra Bahadur Basnet, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Chief of the District Police Office, Lamjung, the tourists had been stranded in the Ghatang Agro area after travelling along the Annapurna trekking route.
Continuous Rainfall Leaves Tourists Stranded
The Indonesian tourists had been trekking in the Annapurna region when continuous rainfall from Ashwin 8 to Ashwin 11 triggered landslides at various locations along the trekking route. The landslides affected movement along parts of the Annapurna Circuit, leaving the group unable to continue their journey safely. With sections of the trekking route and the Besisahar–Chame road affected by landslides and difficult travel conditions, authorities arranged helicopter evacuation for the stranded tourists.
Indonesian Tourists Airlifted From Ghatang Agro to Besisahar
The tourists were transported by helicopter from Ghatang Agro to Sahaji in Besisahar, where they were handed over for onward travel. Following their arrival in Lamjung, the tourists continued their journey toward Pokhara by road. They travelled in vehicles bearing registration numbers Ga 1 Ja 3740 and Ba Pra 01-007 Kha 1680. The helicopter evacuation allowed the tourists to bypass sections of the trekking route and road network that remained difficult to access because of the recent rainfall and landslide damage.
Police Team Deployed During Rescue Operation
The District Police Office, Lamjung also deployed a team to support the rescue and ensure the safe movement of the tourists. According to police, a four-member police team led by Police Head Constable Gunja Bahadur Baram was mobilized during the evacuation operation. The police team coordinated with the relevant authorities and assisted in managing the tourists after they were brought to Lamjung.
Annapurna Trekking Route Affected by Rain and Landslides
The prolonged rainfall affected both the Annapurna trekking route and the Besisahar–Chame road, creating difficulties for trekkers and other travellers in the region. Landslides at multiple locations disrupted regular movement, while deteriorating road and trail conditions made it difficult for stranded tourists to continue their journey. Authorities therefore opted for helicopter evacuation in the case of the 16 Indonesian tourists, allowing them to reach a safer and more accessible location in Lamjung.
Rescued Tourists Continue Journey Toward Pokhara
After being safely brought to Besisahar, all 16 Indonesian tourists continued their journey toward Pokhara, a major tourism hub and gateway to several trekking destinations in western Nepal. The rescue highlights the difficulties faced by international trekkers during periods of heavy rainfall in Nepal’s mountainous regions, particularly when landslides disrupt both trekking routes and road connectivity. Authorities and security agencies continue to monitor travel conditions along affected sections of the Annapurna region as efforts continue to restore access and facilitate the safe movement of visitors.
