As the main season for trekking and mountain tourism begins, heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides have caused severe disruptions in Nepal, particularly affecting key tourist destinations and access roads to major trekking routes. Hundreds of trekkers and tourists have been left stranded due to blocked roads and interrupted air services, particularly in the Everest region, one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations.
In response to this situation, the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has coordinated with the Nepal Army to organize paid evacuation flights for stranded tourists. These flights will operate on the Ramechhap-Manthali-Lukla-Manthali route as well as the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu route. The collaboration aims to ensure the safe transfer of trekkers from Manthali Airport, Ramechhap, where many have been stuck for days, to Lukla, a key gateway to the Everest region, and vice versa.
TAAN has requested all trekking agencies to submit detailed information about their associated tourists via email to the TAAN Secretariat at [email protected]. The required information includes the tourist’s name, nationality, passport number, age, gender, and the contact number of the associated company. This process will operate on a “First Come, First Serve” basis, with priority given to those whose details are received earliest.
The Nepal Army has assured that they will begin flight operations as soon as possible. Details about flight schedules and associated costs will be communicated to the trekking agencies promptly after consultation with the army.
This initiative is crucial in ensuring the safe return of trekkers and the continuity of tourism in the Everest region, despite the ongoing weather challenges. The trekking community is urged to act swiftly and coordinate effectively to facilitate the safe evacuation of their clients.
This timely action by TAAN and the Nepal Army highlights the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on Nepal’s tourism industry, ensuring that stranded tourists are safely evacuated and able to continue their journeys or return home.
Source: TAAN
