Tourists travelling along the Annapurna Circuit have been stranded in different parts of Manang district following incessant rainfall, flooding in lower Manang and heavy snowfall in upper Manang. Adverse weather conditions have disrupted trekking activities and forced a large number of tourists to halt or abandon their planned journeys.
According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) unit in Manang, tourists in both upper and lower parts of the district have been unable to continue their journeys due to deteriorating weather and difficult trail conditions. The situation has been particularly challenging for tourists attempting to cross the Thorong La Pass, where heavy snowfall has made movement increasingly difficult.
Bhujel said that around 226 foreign tourists had been registered in upper Manang, while 44 of them had already returned due to the adverse conditions. More than 150 tourists who were attempting to cross the Thorong La Pass have also returned after encountering heavy snowfall along the route.
All Tourists Reported Safe
Despite the disruption, authorities have confirmed that tourists currently in Manang are safe. Bhujel said that tourists who became ill during their journey, as well as those whose visas had expired, have been evacuated by helicopter.
Other tourists who are still attempting to cross the Thorong La Pass have been permitted to continue their journey, with helicopter evacuation arrangements available from Mustang if required. The provision has been kept as a contingency measure given the rapidly changing weather and difficult conditions around the high-altitude pass. The Thorong La Pass, located at an elevation of about 5,416 metres, is one of the highest points on the Annapurna Circuit and is particularly vulnerable to heavy snowfall and sudden weather changes.
Hundreds Turn Back From Dharapani
Meanwhile, ACAP Tourism Education Assistant Bhupendra Gurung said that 590 foreign tourists were registered at the Dharapani checkpoint between September 22 and 28. Of the tourists registered during the period, 146 have returned after encountering rain, flooding and landslides along the trekking route.
The number highlights the extent to which the recent weather conditions have affected tourist movement through the Annapurna region. The Dharapani area serves as one of the major entry points to the Annapurna Circuit, with trekkers passing through the area before proceeding toward higher sections of the route, including Manang and Thorong La.
Flooding and River Erosion Damage Roads
The disruption has not been limited to trekking trails. Flooding and river erosion have washed away sections of roads at several locations, affecting transportation and making access to the affected areas increasingly difficult. Authorities and local stakeholders have started constructing alternative tracks to restore connectivity.
However, transporting heavy machinery and construction equipment to the damaged sections remains a major challenge because of the difficult terrain and ongoing disruption. The damaged road sections have further complicated the movement of tourists, local residents, rescue teams and essential supplies. Continued rainfall could create additional difficulties for restoration work and transportation along the affected routes.
Weather Conditions Continue to Affect Annapurna Tourism
The latest disruption comes at a critical period for trekking tourism in the Annapurna region, when international visitors traditionally travel through Manang toward the Thorong La Pass and Mustang. While tourists currently in the area have been reported safe, persistent rain at lower elevations and snowfall in higher areas have created challenging conditions for trekkers. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate evacuation and acc
