The Manang rescue operation stands as a remarkable demonstration of bravery, teamwork, and preparedness by Nepal’s security forces. A joint rescue team comprising personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force (APF), and Nepal Police has successfully rescued hundreds of people trapped due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan district of Manang.
According to APF Deputy Spokesperson Shailendra Thapa, continuous snowfall since last night left a large number of trekkers and locals stranded in the Tilicho Base Camp area. The combined rescue team evacuated around 750 individuals to Khangsar in Disyang Rural Municipality–9, ensuring their safety. “The rescued individuals have been brought safely to Khangsar. They were stranded due to thick snow cover and poor weather conditions in Tilicho Base Camp,” Thapa said.
Additional 50 People Remain Safely Sheltered
Authorities confirmed that around 50 more people have been kept safely at Tilicho Base Camp as weather conditions and difficult terrain have temporarily prevented their evacuation. The APF spokesperson said that all those who remained at the camp were safe and provided with adequate shelter and support. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made to ensure that rescued trekkers staying in Khangsar are provided with temporary accommodation and basic necessities, as lodging facilities in the area were overwhelmed by the sudden influx.
Rescue of an Altitude-Sick Trekker
In a separate incident, 45-year-old Birendra Rasaili, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City–31, fell unconscious due to altitude sickness while returning from Tilicho Lake. Responding swiftly, personnel from the APF Mountain Rescue Training School, Manang, rescued Rasaili and transported him from Khangsar to Humde Health Post for medical attention. His condition is reported to be stable after receiving timely treatment.
Enhanced Rescue Capability Following APF Training Establishment
Officials noted that rescue operations in high Himalayan regions have become more effective and efficient since the establishment of the Armed Police Force Mountain Rescue Training School in Manang. The training center, equipped with specialized high-altitude rescue gear and skilled personnel, has been conducting search and rescue missions in coordination with the Nepal Army and Nepal Police.
“The presence of a dedicated mountain rescue training facility has greatly improved our ability to respond quickly and save lives during extreme weather events in the Himalayas,” said Thapa. The recent rescue operation is being hailed as a significant success in inter-agency coordination among Nepal’s security forces.
Snowfall Affects Trekkers and Tourism Activities
Heavy snowfall in the Annapurna region, including the popular Tilicho Lake trekking route, has affected both domestic and international trekkers. Travel agencies have been advising visitors to stay updated on weather forecasts and follow local authority instructions. The unexpected snowfall has also temporarily disrupted trekking schedules and accommodation services, though tourism stakeholders praised the swift response of security agencies in ensuring the safety of tourists and locals alike.
Ongoing Monitoring and Precautionary Measures
Rescue teams are continuing to monitor the situation closely as snowfall persists in higher elevations of Manang. Authorities have urged trekkers and mountaineering groups to avoid high passes and delay travel plans until the weather stabilizes. The joint efforts of Nepal’s security forces have once again demonstrated their commitment and capability to protect lives in Nepal’s remote mountain regions, an area where harsh weather and challenging terrain frequently test human endurance and institutional preparedness.
